b. Evacuate. Evacuate the casualty to the nearest medical treatment facility
immediately.
c. Other Cooling Procedures. While waiting for transport or while evacuating
the casualty, perform the following cooling procedures. Do not delay evacuation in
order to begin these procedures.
(1)
Remove the casualty's clothing and boots.
(2)
Keep the casualty out of direct sunlight.
(3)
Continue to pour water onto the casualty and fan.
(4)
Have the casualty lie down and elevate his legs.
(5)
Massage the casualty's arms and legs.
d. Administer Fluids.
(1) If the casualty is conscious, have him drink the salt solution described in
paragraph 4-19d. If salt is not readily available, have the casualty drink at least one
quart of cool water.
(2) If the casualty is unconscious, vomiting, or unable to retain fluids by
mouth, start an IV of normal saline (NS) or Ringer's lactate. (NOTE: Only trained
personnel should attempt to initiate an IV.)
e. Initiate the Field Medical Card. Initiate the Field Medical Card if one is
available. Attach the card to the casualty's clothing.
4-26. RISK FACTORS
There are several factors which make a person more likely to suffer a heatstroke.
Some of these factors are listed below.
a. Previous Occurrence. A person who has had a heatstroke is susceptible to
another heatstroke if he is in a hot environment.
b. Lack of Acclimatization. A newly-arrived person whose body has not had a
sufficient opportunity to adjust to warm weather is more likely to have a heatstroke than
a person who has worked in the area for several weeks.
c. Obesity. A person is likely to have a heatstroke if he is overweight.
MD0587
4-16
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