|
Performance
Steps
|
|
1. Identify the type of heat injury.
|
a.
Heat cramps symptoms.
|
(1)
Muscle cramps of the
arms, legs, or abdomen.
|
(2)
Excessive sweating.
|
(3)
Thirst.
|
b.
Heat exhaustion symptoms.
(The first five occur often.
The others occur sometimes.)
|
(1)
Profuse sweating with
pale, moist, cool skin.
|
(2)
Headache.
|
(3)
Weakness.
|
(4)
Dizziness.
|
(5)
Loss of appetite.
|
(6)
Heat cramps.
|
(7)
Nausea, with or without
vomiting.
|
(8)
Urge to defecate.
|
(9)
Chills (goose flesh).
|
(10)
Rapid breathing
|
(11)
Tingling of the hands
and/or feet.
|
(12)
Confusion.
|
c.
Heatstroke symptoms.
|
(1)
Flushed, hot, dry skin.
|
(2)
Headache.
|
(3)
Dizziness.
|
(4)
Nausea.
|
(5)
Confusion.
|
(6)
Weakness.
|
(7)
Loss of consciousness.
|
(8)
Seizures.
|
(9)
Weak and rapid pulse
and breathing.
|
|
2. Provide the proper first aid for the heat injury.
|
a.
Heat cramps.
|
(1)
Move the casualty to a
cool or shady area or improvise
shade.
|
(2)
Loosen the casualty's
clothing unless in a chemical
environment.
|
(3)
Have the casualty
slowly drink at least one canteen
of cool water.
|
(4)
Seek medical aid if the
cramps continue.
|
b.
Heat exhaustion.
|
(1)
Move the casualty to a
cool or shady area or improvise
shade.
|
(2)
Loosen or remove the
casualty's clothing and boots
unless in a chemical environment.
|
(3)
Pour water on the
casualty and fan him unless in a
chemical environment.
|
(4)
Have the casualty
slowly drink at least one canteen
of cool water.
|
(5)
Elevate the casualty's
legs.
|
(6)
Monitor the casualty
until the symptoms are gone or
medical aid arrives.
|
|
Note. If
possible, the casualty should not
participate in strenuous activity for
the rest of the day.
|
c.
Heatstroke.
|
|
WARNING
Heatstroke
is a medical emergency that may result
in death if treatment is delayed.
Start cooling measures immediately and
continue while waiting for
transportation and during evacuation
|
(1)
Move the casualty to a
cool or shady area or improvise
shade.
|
(2)
Loosen or remove the
casualty's clothing unless in a
chemical environment.
|
(3)
Spray or pour water on
the casualty and fan him unless in
a chemical environment.
|
(4)
Massage the casualty's
arms and legs unless in a chemical
environment.
|
(5)
Elevate the casualty's
legs.
|
(6)
If the casualty is
conscious, have him slowly drink
at least one canteen of cool
water.
|
|
Note. Watch the
casualty closely for life-threatening
conditions, check for other injuries,
and seek medical aid.
|
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Misc. Information
For
55 years, this has been the basic guidebook for enlisted leaders
of the Army.
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