What is the first step in providing first aid for heat stress?

The first step in providing first aid for heat stress is to move the victim to a cool place. This is crucial because heat stress occurs when the body becomes unable to regulate its temperature, leading to potentially serious conditions like heat exhaustion or heat stroke. By relocating the individual to a cooler environment, you can help lower their body temperature and reduce the immediate stress on their system.

This action should be taken before other measures, as it addresses the primary concern of excessive heat exposure, which can lead to more severe health complications. After ensuring the person is in a cooler area, additional first aid measures can be implemented, such as providing cool fluids or using wet cloths to help lower their body temperature further.

Other options do not effectively address the immediate need to cool the person first. Calling emergency services might be necessary if their condition worsens, but it is not the first step in the immediate response. Wrapping the victim in a wet blanket can be beneficial, but only if they are already in a cooler environment. Similarly, giving caffeine is not an appropriate first aid measure for heat stress and could actually contribute to dehydration.