Talking to people unfamiliar with medical preparedness have you ever heard this conversation?
“I was feeling light headed because I didn’t drink enough water; I totally had heat stroke.”
And you’re thinking to yourself; no, I think heatstroke would leave you on the ground unconscious and very near death. Many people without proper knowledge do not know how to differentiate between types of heat casualties and how to best help them. I’ve had friends in Iraq that have nearly died taking PT tests; you’re probably wondering why the commander has our guys taking mandatory PT tests in a combat zone when the temperature is over 120 degrees; a very good question? Not to mention the two personnel I watched almost get blown up by mortars running one of these PT tests, but I digress.
I’ve had the opportunity to learn a little about giving IVs, and twice have been privileged to give IVs to persons with minor heat issues. As a one stick IV guy, I was surprised how hard it was to get the needle to properly penetrate a vein; they constrict and tend to roll about; but once again I digress.
These few excerpts are drawn straight for the ARMY STUDY GUIDE, RECOGNIZE AND GIVE FIRST AID FOR HEAT INJURIES; which can easily be found and down loaded online. At a glance the quickest way to evaluate where the casualty might be are in the skin conditions. Heat cramps is indicated by profuse sweating and worm skin because your body is attempting to cool itself off. Heat exhaustion can be identified by wet cool clammy skin, this occurs because your body is going into overdrive attempting to cool itself off. Heat stroke is identifiable by dry hot skin; at this stage your body has lost the ability to cool itself off. Heat stroke is obviously the most severe as it often leads to unconsciousness and death. My friend overseas had gone into convulsions and his veins were so constricted that the medics could not get an IV into his arms; this had been a near death experience for him.
Bear in mind that the most likely heat casualties are those who have already fallen prey to suffering from the symptoms in the past. And if you are in a hot environment drink plenty of water and supplement the minerals and vitamins that flush out of your system by eating regular portioned meals and snacks; even if the heat drains you of appetite.
Jon
IDENTIFY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT
CRAMPS
Grasping or massaging a limb (arm or leg) or bending over in an effort to relieve the pain of an abdominal cramp.
Skin wet with perspiration.
Unusual thirst.
TREAT HEAT CRAMPS
Move the casualty to a cool, shaded area to rest. Use poles, ponchos, blankets, or other available materials to improvise a shade, if needed.
Loosen the casualty’s clothing around his neck and waist and loosen his boots.
Do not loosen the casualty’s clothing if you are in a chemical environment.
Have the casualty slowly drink one quart (one canteen) of cool water.
Seek medical help or evacuate the casualty if the cramps continue.
IDENTIFY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT
EXHAUSTION
Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
Profuse sweating with pale, 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.
TREAT HEAT EXHAUSTION
Move the casualty to a cool shaded area to rest. Improvise a shade, if necessary.
Position the casualty to lie on his back with his legs elevated (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 to cool his body faster.
Do not loosen or remove clothing or pour water over the casualty if you are in a chemical environment.
Have the casualty slowly drink one quart (one canteen) of cool water.
If the casualty cannot drink the water because of nausea or if he vomits, the combat lifesaver will insert an intravenous line and evacuate.
If the casualty recovers, have him perform only light duties for the remainder of the day if the mission permits.
IDENTIFY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT
STROKE
Lack of or severe decrease in normal perspiration. (Decrease in perspiration is caused by the collapse of the body’s cooling mechanisms, including perspiration.)
A soldier who is not perspiring or perspiring very little while other soldiers performing the same work are perspiring freely is in danger of heat stroke. Take emergency measures immediately.
IDENTIFY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT
STROKE
Skin that is hot, dry, and red.
Headache.
Weakness.
Dizziness.
Mental confusion.
Nausea or stomach pains.
Seizures.
Weak and rapid pulse and respiration.
Sudden loss of consciousness.
TREAT HEAT STROKE
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. In heat stroke, the body’s internal (core) temperature increases to dangerous levels. If the casualty’s body temperature is not lowered quickly, brain injury or death may result.
Send someone to get medical help while you work with the casualty.
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 while pouring cool water over the casualty, fanning him vigorously, and massaging his arms and legs with cool water. Mist is more effective than pouring water.
Do not loosen or remove clothing, pour water over the casualty, or massage his limbs if you are in a chemical environment.
Have the casualty slowly drink one quart of cool water if he is able. If unable to drink, insert an intravenous line.
Evacuate the casualty as soon as possible.
Do not delay evacuation in order to start cooling measures. Perform cooling measures en route to the medical treatment facility.
Monitor the casualty’s breathing. Administer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if needed.
RECOGNIZE AND GIVE FIRST AID
FOR HEAT INJURIES
CLOSING
Any heat injury casualty should be examined by medical personnel even if he appears to recover fully. Heat injuries can be avoided by adequate rest, proper clothing, and adequate fluids.
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