Which of the following is a treatment step for heat stroke?

Sponge the skin with cool water is a critical treatment for heat stroke because it helps to lower the individual's body temperature, which can reach dangerously high levels in this condition. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent severe complications or death. Cooling the skin effectively reduces the core body temperature and alleviates the effects of heat stress on vital organs.

Using cool water to sponge the skin aids in the evaporation process, which further contributes to bringing down the body temperature. This method can be particularly effective when combined with other cooling measures, such as removing excess clothing and moving the person to a cooler environment.

Other options, such as applying hot compressors, immersing someone in warm water, or encouraging physical activity like running, would exacerbate the condition by increasing body temperature or putting additional strain on the body, which is unsafe and counterproductive in treating heat stroke.