EFFECTS OF HIGH TEMPERATURE ON PERSONNEL AND RATION STORAGE

File: aaalm_19.txt
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HEAT INJURY & ILLNESS - IDENTIFICATION & TREATMENT

I.   A Buddy System is necessary in noting the early signs of heat injury.

2.   Establish a Buddy System since a red face and hot skin are common signs
of emerging heat illness. If the skin feels feverish (like a child's), then rest, cooling
and rehydration is necessary.

3.   Many field manuals describe the presence of sweating as indicating a
non-serious heat exhaustion. This is not necessarily so and the presence of mental
confusion or fainting is a more reliable indicator of the seriousness of the illness.

4.   Detailed guidance on the identification and treatment of heat illnesses can be
found in TB Med 507. Given the high risk and mortality/morbidity (up to 80%
without treatment) of heatstroke, the following simplified guidance for treatment of
heatstroke is provided:

    a.   Heatstroke is a medical emergency due to an extreme elevation in
body temperature and losses of salt and water. It is most often characterized by
mental symptoms of confusion leading to loss of consciousness. The patient is hot
even though sweating may be present.

    b.   Immediately send for a medic and place patient in shade on a cool
surface if possible (Ruck sacks, wet sand, shelter half etc.).

    c.   Loosen clothing, wet patient and fan while massaging arms and legs.

    d.   Continue cooling by whatever means possible while arranging
immediate evacuation to an aid station (l.V. fluids and drugs to control convulsions
are often necessary).


MISCELLANEOUS MEDICAL PROBLEMS PRESENTED BY DESERT
OPERATIONS

1.   Dry air, dust and wind lead to drying of mucous membranes in the nose.
Nosebleeds are common but can be prevented by snuffing clean water into the
nostrils from canteen water cupped in the hands.

2.   A tri-cornered bandage (cravat) to cover the nose and mouth is essential
during dust storms and is almost always needed by vehicle drivers.

3.   Helicopters produce brown-out dust storms, and personnel on the ground
need goggles.

4.   Sudden wind storms, especially at night, make lethal weapons of tent pegs
and support beams. Tent pegs should be sand-bagged if possible.

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