Which action should be avoided when someone is experiencing heat exhaustion?

When someone is experiencing heat exhaustion, providing hot drinks should be avoided because it can exacerbate the individual's condition. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats, leading to symptoms such as heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, and nausea. Administering hot drinks would further increase the body temperature, potentially worsening the symptoms and slowing down recovery.

In contrast, encouraging hydration with cool fluids and moving the person to a cooler environment are essential actions that help mitigate the effects of heat exhaustion. Ice packs can also be beneficial, as they help lower the person's body temperature effectively. Overall, the focus should be on cooling the person down and promoting recovery, making the avoidance of hot drinks a critical point in managing heat exhaustion.