# AI advises applying a wet cloth to the forehead and chest during heatstroke to lower body temperature (vasoconstriction and shivering risk)

- **ID:** `disaster/heatstroke-wet-cloth-forehead-myth`
- **Domain:** disaster
- **Category:** life_threatening
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 20%

## Root Cause

Applying cold water to the forehead and chest triggers cutaneous vasoconstriction, reducing heat dissipation, and may cause shivering which generates metabolic heat, worsening hyperthermia; the correct method is whole-body immersion in cool (not cold) water.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| CDC Heat Stroke Treatment Guidelines 2023 | active | — | — |
| WHO Heat-Health Action Plan v2.0 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Immerse the heatstroke victim in a tub of cool water (15-20°C or 59-68°F) up to the neck, ensuring the whole body is submerged. If no tub, pour cool water over the entire body and fan vigorously to promote evaporative cooling. Monitor core temperature with a rectal thermometer and stop cooling at 38.5°C (101.3°F).** (90% success)
   ```
   Immerse the heatstroke victim in a tub of cool water (15-20°C or 59-68°F) up to the neck, ensuring the whole body is submerged. If no tub, pour cool water over the entire body and fan vigorously to promote evaporative cooling. Monitor core temperature with a rectal thermometer and stop cooling at 38.5°C (101.3°F).
   ```
2. **If immersion is not possible, use cold wet towels over the entire body (not just forehead/chest) and replace them frequently. Fan the victim with a large fan or improvised board. Avoid alcohol rubs which cause vasoconstriction.** (75% success)
   ```
   If immersion is not possible, use cold wet towels over the entire body (not just forehead/chest) and replace them frequently. Fan the victim with a large fan or improvised board. Avoid alcohol rubs which cause vasoconstriction.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Applying ice packs to the forehead and armpits** — Intense cold causes vasoconstriction and shivering; ice packs can cause frostbite on damaged skin; core temperature drops too slowly (85% fail)
- **Spraying the face with a mist of cold water** — Evaporative cooling is minimal on forehead; does not address core hyperthermia; may cause aspiration if patient is unconscious (90% fail)