Heat "injuries" are NOT, repeat NOT, something to be taken lightly--especially in minors (read: children)--and can result in long term health issues, permanent disability(s), mental/cognitive impairment and/or DEATH.
DRINK WATER!
According to the Mayo Clinic: In general, doctors recommend that the "average adult" drink eight (8) or nine (9) eight ounce (8 oz) cups of water per day. (ref: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283).
If you are "thirsty" it is already too late. HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE.
Drink water--not coffee, not soda, not "pop", not beer--WATER.
If you suspect a heat casualty--CALL 911 or seek assistance IMMEDIATELY
U.S. Army Common Task Training, Skill Level 1 081-831-1008 (SL1) - Perform First Aid for Heat Injuries
Performance Steps |
1. Identify the type of heat injury. |
a. Heat cramps symptoms.
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(1) Muscle cramps of the arms, legs, or abdomen.
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(2) Excessive sweating.
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(3) Thirst.
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b. Heat exhaustion symptoms. (The first five occur often. The others occur sometimes.)
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(1) Profuse sweating with pale, moist, cool skin.
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(2) Headache.
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(3) Weakness.
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(4) Dizziness.
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(5) Loss of appetite.
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(6) Heat cramps.
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(7) Nausea, with or without vomiting.
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(8) Urge to defecate.
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(9) Chills (goose flesh).
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(10) Rapid breathing
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(11) Tingling of the hands and/or feet.
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(12) Confusion.
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c. Heatstroke symptoms.
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(1) Flushed, hot, dry skin.
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(2) Headache.
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(3) Dizziness.
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(4) Nausea.
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(5) Confusion.
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(6) Weakness.
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(7) Loss of consciousness.
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(8) Seizures.
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(9) Weak and rapid pulse and breathing.
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2. Provide the proper first aid for the heat injury. |
a. Heat cramps.
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(1) Move the casualty to a cool or shady area or improvise shade.
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(2) Loosen the casualty's clothing unless in a chemical environment.
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(3) Have the casualty slowly drink at least one canteen of cool water.
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(4) Seek medical aid if the cramps continue.
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b. Heat exhaustion.
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(1) Move the casualty to a cool or shady area or improvise shade.
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(2) Loosen or remove the casualty's clothing and boots unless in a chemical environment.
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(3) Pour water on the casualty and fan him unless in a chemical environment.
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(4) Have the casualty slowly drink at least one canteen of cool water.
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(5) Elevate the casualty's legs.
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(6) Monitor the casualty until the symptoms are gone or medical aid arrives.
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Note. If possible, the casualty should not participate in strenuous activity for the rest of the day. |
c. Heatstroke.
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WARNING Heatstroke is a medical emergency that may result in death if treatment is delayed. Start cooling measures immediately and continue while waiting for transportation and during evacuation |
(1) Move the casualty to a cool or shady area or improvise shade.
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(2) Loosen or remove the casualty's clothing unless in a chemical environment.
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(3) Spray or pour water on the casualty and fan him unless in a chemical environment.
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(4) Massage the casualty's arms and legs unless in a chemical environment.
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(5) Elevate the casualty's legs.
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(6) If the casualty is conscious, have him slowly drink at least one canteen of cool water.
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Note. Watch the casualty closely for life-threatening conditions, check for other injuries, and seek medical aid. |
