Cooling management should aim to remove the cause and assisting the normal cooling mechanisms of evaporation, conduction, radiation, and convection. Cooling methods will vary depending on availability and circumstance. A combination of cooling methods may be most effective if immersion is not available (strong recommendation, weak level of evidence).

Cooling management

Lie the person in a cool environment or in the shade.
Loosen and remove excessive clothing.
Send for an ambulance if not improving quickly.

While waiting for professional assistance for individuals over 5 years of age:

Immerse (i.e., whole-body from the neck down) in cold water (a bath if possible, as cold as possible) for 15 minutes. This is the most effective method of cooling (strong recommendation, weak level of evidence).

If this is not available, a combination of the following methods should be used:

Wet the person with cold or cool water, under a shower if safe, or with a hose or other water source
Apply ice packs (groin, armpits, facial cheeks, palms and soles).
Repeatedly moisten the skin with a moist cloth or atomizer spray.
Fan continuously.

While waiting for professional assistance for children 5 years of age and under a combination of the following methods should be used:

Cool in a tepid (lukewarm) bath sponging frequently if bath available
Repeatedly moisten the skin with a moist cloth or atomizer spray
Fan continuously

Hydration management

Oral hydration should only be given if fully conscious and able to swallow. Give cool or cold water to drink if fully conscious and able to swallow.

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