Identify the three types of heat injuries and the treatment for each.

Given multiple-choice examination items pertaining to heat injuries.

Score 70 or more points on the 100 point written examination.

STP 21-1-SMCT, Soldier's Manual of Common Tasks: Skill Level 1.

FM 21-11, First Aid for Soldiers.

12-1. INTRODUCTION

Heat injuries usually occur during hot weather or when a person is working near equipment that produces heat. Heat injury can also occur during temperate conditions. Heat injury can occur whenever the normal temperature control mechanisms of the body are overwhelmed. This may occur when fluids are not adequately replaced, soldiers are not adequately rested, or body heat is not adequately dissipated.

Even a healthy person can suffer heat injury. Heat injuries can be painful and, in some cases, fatal. The three principal types of heat injuries are heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms (contractions) caused by loss of water and salt from the body, usually through perspiration. Signs and symptoms of heat cramps include:

Grasping or massaging an arm or leg.

Bending over in an effort to relieve the pain of an abdominal cramp.

Skin wet with perspiration.

Unusual thirst.

Move the casualty to a cool, shaded area to rest. If there is no shade, improvise a shade using ponchos, blankets, or other available materials.

Loosen the casualty's clothing around his neck and waist and loosen his boots.

Have the casualty slowly drink one quart (one canteen) of cool water. (Drinking the water too rapidly may cause the casualty to vomit, thus losing even more fluid from the body.)

If cramps continue seek medical help or evacuate the casualty as soon as possible. If the casualty improves have them continue with fluid replacement as indicated for the climate and environment he or she is in. The casualty should be evaluated by the combat medic to ensure adequate treatment.

Heat exhaustion is primarily caused by the body losing water, usually through perspiration, without the water being adequately replaced. Heat exhaustion usually occurs in fit individuals who are involved in extreme physical exertion in a hot environment and are not acclimatized. The signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are very similar to those of shock. The first five signs and symptoms listed are the most common.

a. Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

Profuse sweating with pale, cool skin.

Weakness or faintness.

Dizziness.

Headache.

Loss of appetite.

Heat cramps.

Nausea (with or without vomiting).

Chills ("gooseflesh").

Rapid breathing.

Urge to defecate.

Tingling in hands or feet.

Mental confusion.

Move the casualty to a cool, shaded area to rest. If there is no shade, improvise a shade using ponchos, blankets, or other available materials.

Have the casualty lie on his back and elevate his legs (normal shock position).

Remove the casualty's clothing around his neck and waist and loosen his boots.

Pour water over the casualty and fan him in order to cool his body faster.

Have the casualty slowly drink at least a canteen (one quart) of cool water.

Elevate his legs.

Seek medical help as soon as possible. If the casualty cannot drink the water due to severe nausea or if he vomits, initiate an intravenous infusion and evacuate the casualty to a medical treatment facility.

If the casualty recovers from heat exhaustion, have him perform only light duty for the remainder of the day if the mission permits he should be evaluated by the combat medic if at all possible.

Heat stroke (also called sunstroke) usually occurs in people who work in a very hot, humid environment for a prolonged period of time. In heat stroke, the body's temperature regulating system fails and the body's internal (core) temperature increases to dangerous levels. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can be fatal if the casualty's body is not cooled quickly. The following are signs and symptoms of heat stroke.

Altered mental status (key sign).

May or may not be sweating.

Skin that is hot and flushed (red).

Headache.

Weakness.

Dizziness.

Nausea or stomach pains.

Seizures.

Weak and rapid pulse and respiration.

Sudden loss of consciousness.

Move the casualty to a cool, shaded area or improvise a shade.

Loosen or remove the casualty's outer garments.

Position the casualty on his back with his feet elevated. Pour cool water over the casualty, fan him vigorously, and massage his arms and legs with cool water. (Massaging increases blood circulation and promotes heat loss.) Mist is more effective then pouring water.

Initiate an intravenous infusion.

If evacuation is delayed, continue to give IV fluids and continue cooling efforts.

Monitor the casualty's breathing. Administer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if needed.

Evacuate the casualty as soon as possible. Perform measures to cool the casualty's body while he is being evacuated.