WEBVTT

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- Each year, an average
of two to three soldiers

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die from heat stroke,

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and more than 1,000 soldiers
suffer from heat related

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illnesses that require medical attention,

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and result in lost duty time.

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Signs and symptoms of
heat illness are variable.

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It may include dizziness,
weakness, nausea,

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and muscle cramps.

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Patients suffering from
mild forms of heat illnesses

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are always alert and able to
answer questions appropriately.

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Mild heat exhaustion and heat cramps

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are examples of heat illnesses
that can often be treated

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in the field with simple cooling measures,

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such as, rest, uniform modification,

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moving to a cooler location,

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or use of an arm immersion
cooling system, AICS.

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Patients with mild heat illnesses,

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recover quickly with
these simple measures.

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If their symptoms worsen,

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or last more than 30 minutes,

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evacuate the patient
for medical evaluation.

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The most severe form of
heat illness is heat stroke.

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Heat stroke is a
potentially fatal condition,

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and requires immediate treatment.

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So it's important to recognize
the signs and symptoms,

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especially mental status changes.

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Mental status changes include:

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confusion (disorientation),

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convulsions (seizures),

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and coma (loss of consciousness).

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These signs can range from
subtle disorientation,

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to severe confusion,
outright combativeness,

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or even unresponsiveness.

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When heat stroke occurs act immediately,

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the risk of death,

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or permanent disability from heat stroke,

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is directly related to how
long a person stays hot.

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By recognizing the signs
and symptoms early,

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and initiating cooling
measures immediately,

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you can save a life.

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Minutes matter.

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It's critical you take immediate action

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if you see a fellow soldier
suffering from severe symptoms,

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or showing signs of heat stroke.

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The first step is to move the
victim to a cool location,

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such as the shade,

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or inside an air conditioned
vehicle, or building.

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Remove their equipment and clothing.

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Perform a mental status check,

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by asking them the following questions:

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What is your name?

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What month and year is it?

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Where are you?

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What were you doing before you became ill?

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If the person can't
answer these questions,

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assume they're a heat stroke victim.

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For patients suffering from heat stroke,

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or other severe symptoms
you need to cool and call.

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Apply ice sheets, cover as
much exposed skin as possible,

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without covering the face.

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Remember to exchange ice sheets
every three to five minutes.

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Do not give any type of fluids,

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oral, or IV, to patients
with altered mental status.

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Certain information can be
very helpful to medical staff.

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Be sure to relay the following information

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to paramedics, if available.

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One, what happened?

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Two, did the patient seem confused,

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or have altered mental status?

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Three, How long were ice sheets applied?

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Four, were any temperatures taken?

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Five, has the patient been drinking

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excessive amounts of water?

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Know where, when, and how to evacuate.

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Take the time before an emergency
to learn local procedures.

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Remember heat related
illnesses are serious,

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and sometime fatal conditions.

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Early recognition and
cooling can save a life.

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