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

- **ID:** `disaster/heatstroke-wet-cloth-myth`
- **Domain:** disaster
- **Category:** life_threatening
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 80%

## Root Cause

Applying a wet cloth to the forehead and chest during heatstroke causes peripheral vasoconstriction, which traps heat in the core and can worsen hyperthermia, contrary to evidence-based cooling methods like cold water immersion.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| CDC guidelines 2024 | active | — | — |
| WHO heat-related illness protocols v3.2 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Immerse the person in cold water (1-10°C) up to the neck, or use a cold-water tub with ice if available. Stir water to prevent boundary layer warming. Example: Fill a bathtub with cold water and ice, assist the person in entering, and monitor core temperature until it drops to 38.9°C.** (92% success)
   ```
   Immerse the person in cold water (1-10°C) up to the neck, or use a cold-water tub with ice if available. Stir water to prevent boundary layer warming. Example: Fill a bathtub with cold water and ice, assist the person in entering, and monitor core temperature until it drops to 38.9°C.
   ```
2. **Apply cold water-soaked towels to the entire body (not just forehead/chest) and replace every 2 minutes, combined with active fanning. Example: Use large bath towels soaked in ice water, cover the torso and limbs, and oscillate a fan at high speed.** (80% success)
   ```
   Apply cold water-soaked towels to the entire body (not just forehead/chest) and replace every 2 minutes, combined with active fanning. Example: Use large bath towels soaked in ice water, cover the torso and limbs, and oscillate a fan at high speed.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Use ice packs on the neck and armpits only** — Ice packs on small areas cause local vasoconstriction without effective core cooling; may delay proper treatment. (65% fail)
- **Fan the person while spraying water** — Fanning with water spray can cause shivering, which generates internal heat; only effective if combined with full immersion. (50% fail)
- **Give the person aspirin or acetaminophen** — Antipyretics are ineffective for exertional heatstroke and may cause liver damage; core cooling requires physical methods. (90% fail)