c. Give Water. If the casualty is not nauseous (feels as though he is going to
vomit), give the casualty cool water and salt solution to drink. The solution will help to
restore the body's natural fluid and electrolyte balance. To create the solution, dissolve
1/4 teaspoon of loose salt (same as one packet of salt from rations) in a canteen filled
with one quart of cool water. Have the casualty slowly drink the entire canteen within a
one hour period. After the casualty has consumed the quart of salt and water solution,
have him drink cool, unsalted water.
(1) If the casualty feels nauseous, encourage him to drink a quart of cool
water with no salt added. (Vomiting caused by drinking salty water will result in the loss
of more water and salt from his body.) When the nausea has passed, give him salty
water to drink or salty food to eat.
(2)
If no salt is available, have the casualty drink cool, unsalted water.
d. Observe Casualty. Allow the casualty to rest. Observe the casualty to see if
the cramps go away and to ensure that the casualty continues to consume water. If the
casualty recovers and resumes his activities, continue to observe the casualty for
reoccurrence of heat injury.
e. Record Treatment. Record the casualty's signs and symptoms and the
treatment administered on a DD Form 1380, U.S. Field Medical Card (FMC).
f. Evacuate, If Needed. If the casualty continues to have severe cramps or
cannot drink cool water, evacuate him to a medical treatment facility. Attach the Field
Medical Card to the casualty's clothing.
4-6.
IDENTIFY HEAT EXHAUSTION
Heat exhaustion is a condition caused by an excessive loss of water and
electrolytes from the body (usually from heavy perspiration) resulting in hypovolemia (a
decrease in the fluid in the casualty's blood circulatory system). It usually occurs in
otherwise fit individuals who are performing tasks requiring heavy physical work in a hot
environment. The casualty's body temperature will usually be normal.
a. Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion. A casualty with
heat exhaustion will usually:
(1)
Perspire heavily.
(2)
Have skin that is pale (gray in a dark-skinned individual) and cool to the
touch.
(3)
Have a headache.
MD0548
4-6