b. Provide External Heat Source. The ability of the casualty's body to produce
heat faster than it looses heat has probably been lost. Therefore, you cannot expect
that covering the casualty with blankets and other material will result in the body being
rewarmed. You must supply another source of heat so the casualty's body can absorb
the heat.
(1) Outside of the medical treatment facility, the soldier must be re-warmed
very carefully. Gradual warming of the soldier's trunk is necessary. Avoid excessive
warming of the extremities since this can cause an "afterdrop" (the sudden release of
lactic acid from the limbs that can overwhelm the body).
(2) Heat from your body or from another soldier's body can be used to
rewarm the casualty. Have another soldier (or yourself if no one else is available)
remove your outer clothing and boots and lie next to the casualty, whose outer clothing
and boots have also been removed. Cover both individuals with blankets or other
material or have both soldiers get into a sleeping bag together. The coverings will trap
the soldier's body heat and allow the casualty to absorb the body heat being generated.
c. Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, If Needed. Administer mouth-to-
mouth resuscitation if the casualty is not breathing. Administer cardiopulmonary
resuscitation if you cannot detect a pulse.
NOTE:
Attempt to rewarm and revive a casualty even if clinical death (no respiration
or heartbeat) appears to be present. People with generalized hypothermia
have been resuscitated with little or no brain damage even though pulse and
respiration were not detected for several minutes.
d. Provide Warm Drink. If the casualty is conscious, give him something warm
and nutritious to drink. Sugar or glucose tablets may be added to sweeten drinks. (The
heat from the drink can be absorbed by the body and the sugar can be used by the
body to produce heat.) Do not give the casualty any alcoholic beverage to drink.
Alcohol causes capillaries to dilate and thus causes the body to lose heat.
e. Record Treatment. Record the casualty's signs and symptoms and the
treatment administered on a DD Form 1380, U.S. Field Medical Card.
f. Evacuate. Evacuate the casualty to a medical treatment facility as soon as
possible. Wrap the casualty from head to toe and attach the Field Medical Card where
it will not be separated from the casualty. Handle the casualty gently and transport him
in a recumbent (lying down) position.
MD0548
5-14
Previous Page
