What is the initial treatment for heat syncope?

The initial treatment for heat syncope, which is a temporary loss of consciousness due to overheating and dehydration, involves laying the affected individual down and elevating their lower extremities. This position helps facilitate blood flow back to the brain, counteracting the effects of decreased blood flow that can occur during heat syncope. Elevating the legs assists in improving venous return and can aid in restoring blood circulation more quickly, helping the individual regain consciousness and stabilize more effectively.

While rehydration is important for overall recovery and can be part of subsequent treatment steps, it is not the immediate action to take if an individual is experiencing heat syncope. Additionally, moving the athlete to a warm environment goes against the need to cool the body down in cases of heat-related illnesses. Checking for injuries is vital in a comprehensive assessment but is secondary to addressing the symptoms of syncope to ensure the individual's immediate safety and stability.