What is a crucial first step in treating a person with heat stroke?

In treating a person with heat stroke, the crucial first step is to remove excessive clothing. This helps to lower the body temperature by allowing heat to escape more effectively. When a person suffers from heat stroke, their body temperature can rise to dangerous levels that can lead to serious complications or even death. By removing clothing, particularly any heavy or insulating materials, the body's heat can dissipate more readily.

While calling for emergency services is also critical in the overall management of heat stroke, the instant focus on alleviating the heat is paramount for immediate treatment. Providing food is inappropriate, as the individual may be nauseous or unable to digest. Giving ice chips can pose a risk of choking and is not an optimal method for cooling down someone with heat stroke. Thus, removing excessive clothing serves as the most immediate and effective action to start addressing the severe condition of heat stroke.