Perform First Aid for Heat Injuries

Conditions: You see a casualty who has signs and symptoms of a heat injury. The casualty has a full canteen of cool water.

Standards: Recognized the type of heat injury and gave appropriate first aid.

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.