In an emergency involving a diver who is not sweating and feels hot to the touch, what is the recommended action?

When you encounter a situation where a diver is not sweating and feels hot to the touch, it indicates potential heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. In such cases, it is crucial to take immediate action to lower the individual's body temperature and prevent further complications.

Getting the patient into cool water is essential because it effectively reduces body temperature. Additionally, calling emergency medical services (EMS) ensures that professional help is on the way, which is vital in case the situation deteriorates. Cool water immersion can help stabilize the diver until EMS arrives, reducing the risk of serious repercussions from heat stress.

The other options may not provide adequate immediate assistance for someone in distress due to heat. For instance, waiting for symptoms to improve without taking action could lead to a life-threatening situation, particularly if the condition escalates to heat stroke. Administering oxygen may be necessary in certain medical emergencies, but it does not address the immediate need to cool the body in cases of heat-related illnesses. While having the patient drink water can be beneficial in rehydrating them, it does not directly help to reduce body temperature quickly. Therefore, the recommended action focuses on promptly cooling the patient while securing further assistance.