At what temperature should active cooling be stopped for a patient with heat exhaustion or stroke?

Active cooling for a patient experiencing heat exhaustion or heat stroke should be stopped at a temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit. The rationale behind this threshold is based on the body's physiological responses to temperature regulation and the potential for complications that can arise from excessive cooling.

When the core body temperature reaches 102 degrees Fahrenheit, the risk of thermoregulation failure decreases significantly, as the body is closer to a stable internal temperature that can be safely managed without the risk of hypothermia. Cooling beyond this point, specifically to lower temperatures, may not only be unnecessary but could also lead to adverse effects, such as shivering or a decreased ability for the body to generate heat when needed.

Monitoring temperature is crucial in these situations to ensure that the patient's condition is stabilized while avoiding further complications caused by ongoing aggressive cooling measures. This approach balances the need to reduce heat stress while protecting the patient from the potential harms associated with over-cooling.