NOTE:
The longer the casualty's body temperature remains elevated, the greater is
the threat to his life. Measures to lower his body temperature should be
started as soon as possible. Also, be ready to initiate rescue-breathing
procedures should the casualty stop breathing.
(4) Send for help. If possible, send someone to seek the medic or other
trained personnel. The medic can initiate an intravenous infusion (IV) to help restore
body fluids if needed. Also, the medic can perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR) should the casualty's heart stop beating.
(5) Have casualty drink water. If the casualty is conscious and is able, have
him drink at least one canteen (quart) of cool water. If the casualty can tolerate the salt
and water solution (para 4-11 b (3)), have the casualty drink one quart of the solution
followed by additional cool water.
(6) Evacuate. Evacuate the casualty to a medical treatment facility as soon
as possible. Do not delay evacuation in order to start cooling measures.
Perform cooling procedures en route to the facility.
Measures to cool the body should be continued until the facility is
reached.
During transportation, the skin should be kept moist.
The passage of air currents through an opened door of an
ambulance will aid cooling.
If regular ice bags or chemical ice bags are available, place at least
two at the neck/or axilla (underarms).
When the casualty reaches the treatment facility, further cooling
measure, such as placing him in a tub of water and ice, will be carried out.
4-14. PREVENTION OF ADVERSE EFFECTS OF HEAT
Successful prevention of heat injuries depends largely on education of personnel, both
those exposed to heat and those charged with the supervision of such personnel.
a. Increase Resistance to Heat. Specifically, prevention of heat injury involves
the application of measures for increasing the resistance of exposed persons and
reducing the exposure as much as practical. Resistance is increased by replenishing
water and salt losses from the body as they occur, by acclimatization of individuals to
hot environments, and by the maintenance of the optimum physical condition of
personnel.
MD0152
4-22