What position should a person with heat stroke be placed in?

The most appropriate position for a person experiencing heat stroke is on their back with the airways open. This positioning helps to maintain an open airway, which is vital because heat stroke can impair the body's ability to regulate temperature and can affect consciousness. Ensuring the airway is open provides an unobstructed passage for breathing and facilitates continuous monitoring of the individual’s condition as medical assistance is sought.

In the case of heat stroke, the body's thermoregulation is severely compromised, and the person may become confused or lose consciousness. By lying the individual on their back, rescuers can more easily assess their breathing and responsiveness, ensuring that any further medical interventions can be administered effectively.

The other options might not provide the same benefits regarding airway management or could exacerbate risks associated with heat-related illnesses. For instance, lying on their side or elevating legs might not be ideal in this scenario because the priority is to ensure the individual can breathe properly. Similarly, a sitting position could hinder ventilatory effort if the person is unconscious, and placing them face down may risk further obstruction of the airways and make monitoring their condition more difficult.