LESSON 14
PERFORM FIRST AID FOR HEAT INJURIES
(TASK 081-831-1008)

TASK:

Identify heat injuries (heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke) and the proper treatment for each.

CONDITIONS:

Given multiple-choice examination items pertaining to heat injuries.

STANDARD:

Score 70 or more points on a 100-point comprehensive examination.

REFERENCES:

STP 21-1-SMCT, Soldier's Manual of Common Tasks: Skill Level 1.
FM 21-11, First Aid for Soldiers.

NOTE: Some of the task titles and information have changed and are not reflected in FM 21-11 and STP 21-1-SMCT. Refer to the Army Training Support Center, Common Core Task internet site at: http://www.atsc.army.mil/dld/comcor/comcore.htm for up-to-date task information.

14-1. INTRODUCTION

Heat injuries usually occur during hot weather or when a person is working near equipment that produces heat. The body perspires in order to cool itself. If the water and the salt lost through perspiration are not adequately replaced, heat injuries can result. 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 heatstroke.

14-2. IDENTIFY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT CRAMPS

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.

14-3. IDENTIFY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION

Heat exhaustion is more serious than heat cramps. It is primarily caused by the body losing water, usually through perspiration, without the water being adequately replaced. Heat exhaustion usually occurs in otherwise fit individuals who are involved in extreme physical exertion in a hot environment. The signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are very similar to those of shock. The signs and symptoms can be divided into two groups-the most common signs and symptoms and those which are less likely to occur.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

• Profuse sweating with pale, moist, cool skin.
• Weakness or faintness.
• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Loss of appetite.

Other Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

• Heat cramps.
• Nausea (with or without vomiting).
• Chills ("gooseflesh").
• Rapid breathing.
• Urge to defecate.
• Tingling in hands or feet.
• Mental confusion.

14-4. IDENTIFY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEATSTROKE

Heatstroke (also called sunstroke) usually occurs in people who work in a very hot, humid environment for a prolonged period of time. In heatstroke, the body's cooling mechanisms (perspiration, etc.) fail and the body's internal (core) temperature increases to dangerous levels. If the casualty's body temperature is not lowered quickly, death may result. The following are signs and symptoms of heatstroke.

• Lack of normal perspiration.
• Skin that is hot and flushed.
• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Mental confusion.
• Stomach pains.
• Weakness.
• Nausea.
• Seizures.
• Rapid breathing.
• Sudden loss of consciousness.

14-5. TREAT HEAT CRAMPS

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 fluids.)

Seek medical help if the cramps continue. If medical help is not available, evacuate the casualty to a medical treatment facility.

14-6. TREAT HEAT EXHAUSTION

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.

Loosen or 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 the casualty's feet above the level of his heart (put a log or other supporting object under his feet or ankles).

Monitor the casualty. When possible, seek medical aid.

If possible, the casualty should not participate in strenuous activity for the remainder of the day.

14-7. TREAT HEATSTROKE

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. The casualty could die if he is not treated in time. If possible, send someone to get medical help while you work with the casualty.

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

Have the casualty lie down and elevate his legs.

Loosen or remove the casualty's outer garments.

The preferred method is to spray or pour cool water over the casualty.

Fan the casualty to increase the rate of evaporation and thus cool the casualty faster.

Massage the casualty's arms and legs with cool water. Massaging his arms and legs help to increase the blood circulation in his limbs. Increased blood circulation will result in the body being able to give off more heat, thus cooling the body.

Have the casualty slowly drink one quart of cool water if he is able.

Monitor the casualty's breathing. Administer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation (Lesson 6) if needed.

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