You are at a park with your family when you hear a call for help. There is a teenager who is "sick." On scene you find a 16-year-old boy who is mildly confused. Friends state that they have been playing basketball for most of the morning and afternoon. The temperature is in the 90s and the humidity is high. The boy's airway is patent and his breathing rate is elevated but adequate. His pulse is

weak and rapid. Observation of his skin reveals it to be pale, cool, and moist. Which of the following would you do first for this patient?

a. Lay him in the shade in a supine position, and elevate his feet.
b. Lay him down in a side-lying position.
c. Administer salt tablets by mouth every 15 minutes.
d. Get some newspaper and fan him vigorously.

Answer: a