NOTE:
If a soldier is not perspiring or perspiring only slightly while others who are
performing similar work in the same environment are perspiring heavily, the
soldier's natural cooling system (perspiration) has stopped working and his
body can no longer cool itself. Lack of perspiration is not the definitive
diagnosis for heat stroke. If the patient is hot, has an elevated core
temperature, and has any altered mental status, treat it as heat stroke.
b. Skin that is hot to the touch.
c. Elevated temperature.
d. Headache.
e. Dizziness.
f. Mental confusion.
g. Stomach pain, nausea, or cramps.
h. Weakness.
i. Rapid, shallow breathing.
j. Rapid and weak pulse.
k. Sudden loss of consciousness.
4-9.
TREAT HEAT STROKE
Heat stroke is treated by quickly cooling the casualty's body and evacuating him
to a medical treatment facility where additional measures can be taken. If the casualty
is unconscious, open his airway and administer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if needed. (These procedures are covered in
Subcourse MD0532, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.)
a. Perform Immediate Cooling. Immerse the casualty's trunk in cool water or
pour cool water onto the casualty and fan him. This will help to control his temperature.
Remove the casualties clothing to help cool the casualty.
b. Evacuate. Evacuate the casualty to the nearest medical treatment facility at
once. Continue to perform cooling measures during evacuation.
MD0548
4-9