[at-l] Heat Injuries

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Heat Injuries


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TOPIC: Heat Injuries 
DISCUSSION: The most frequently encountered types of heat injury are 
heat exhaustion and heat cramps. Less common, but of greater 
significance is heat stroke. Causes of most heat injuries are the loss 
of salt and water from the body, failure of the sweat mechanism with a 
resulting increase of body temperature (heat stroke). Heat cramps are 
primarily caused by excessive loss of salt from the body. The symptom is 
extremely painful contraction of the voluntary muscles, especially in 
the abdomen. 

Heat exhaustion is caused by excessive loss of water and salt from the 
body. The symptoms include profuse perspiration, pallor of the skin, low 
blood pressure and other manifestations of peripheral circulatory 
collapse, soldiers may also complain of headache, mental confusion, 
drowsiness, extreme weakness, vomiting, and visual disturbances. 

Heat stroke IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Symptoms are extreme high body 
temperature, total absence of perspiration or sweating, skin which is 
red and hot to the touch, and the individual is usually in a profound 
coma. Heat stroke is a breakdown in the body s heat regulating 
mechanism. Individuals who have not been acclimatized are especially 
prone to heat stroke. 

LESSON(S): Prevention of heat injury involves the application of 
measures for increasing the resistance of exposed persons and reducing 
the exposure as much as practicable. The following are ways to prevent 
heat injuries: 
•Encourage soldiers to drink water, thirst is not a good indicator of a 
heat injury •Encourage proper salt intake - do not use salt tablets •
Gradually acclimatize soldiers to hot climates •Maintain the best 
physical condition of personnel •Tailor work schedules to fit the 
climate •Protect soldiers from the environment by ensuring they wear 
loose clothing to permit air circulation •Take frequent rest breaks - in 
the shade if possible •Educate personnel to recognize early signs, take 
appropriate action, and apply effective first aid. 
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