What is a common treatment for heat injuries?

Fluid replacement is a common treatment for heat injuries because it addresses one of the critical issues associated with conditions like heat exhaustion and heat stroke: dehydration. When the body loses a significant amount of fluids through sweating due to high temperatures, it can lead to a deficit in electrolytes and fluids necessary for maintaining normal physiological functions. By providing fluid replacement, you help restore the body's hydration levels, which is essential for cooling and overall recovery.

Additionally, fluid replacement can also assist in the dilution of harmful substances in the blood that may result from prolonged overheating. It is typically done with oral rehydration solutions or intravenous fluids, depending on the severity of the heat injury and the patient's ability to tolerate oral intake.

In contrast, using warm compresses would exacerbate the condition by further increasing body temperature, while administering cold packs might not adequately address the systemic effects of heat injuries unless combined with appropriate fluid replacement. Immediate exercise can worsen the situation by raising the body temperature further and taxing the already stressed physiological systems.