e. Give Water. If the casualty is not nauseous, add 1/4 teaspoon (one ration
packet) of salt to a one-quart canteen of cool water and have the casualty slowly drink
the solution within a one-hour period. After the casualty has consumed the salty water
solution, have him drink cool, unsalted water.
(1) If the casualty feels nauseous, have him drink a quart of cool water with
no salt added. When the nausea has passed, give him salty water to drink or salty food
to eat.
(2)
If salt is not readily available, have the casualty drink cool, unsalted
water.
f. Observe Casualty. Observe the casualty as he is resting to see if his
condition improves and to ensure that he continues to consume water. If the casualty
recovers and resumes his activities, continue to observe the casualty for reoccurrence
of heat injury. Have the casualty evaluated as the tactical situation permits due to the
accumulative effect of heat injuries.
g. Record Treatment. Record the casualty's signs and symptoms and the
treatment administered on a DD Form 1380, U.S. Field Medical Card.
h. Evacuate, if Needed. If the casualty is nauseated and cannot drink the
unsalted water or if his signs and symptoms do not improve in about 20 minutes:
(1)
Initiate an intravenous infusion using Ringer's lactate or normal saline.
(2)
Attach the Field Medical Card to the casualty's clothing.
(3)
Evacuate the casualty to a medical treatment facility.
4-8.
IDENTIFY HEAT STROKE
Heat stroke is caused by a failure of the body's temperature regulating system.
Heat stroke comes on suddenly. The core (rectal) body temperature can rise from
normal to 106 degrees Fahrenheit (F) or more in 10 to 15 minutes. If the situation is
not controlled quickly, the vulnerable cells of the brain may be destroyed and
irreversible central nervous system (CNS) damage may occur. Heat stroke is a medical
emergency that can result in death if it is not corrected quickly. Signs and symptoms of
heat stroke include:
a. Lack of normal perspiration.
MD0548
4-8