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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.