HEAT EXHAUSTION

1
HEAT EXHAUSTION
Symptoms Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, or
nausea Cool, clammy, pale, red or flushed
skin Excessive sweating
Treatment Get out of the sun to a cool spot
and drink lots of cool water, a little at a
time. If you are nauseated or dizzy, lie
down. Seek medical assistance
ASAP.
Ref Healthwise Handbook, 13th edition
2
HYDRATIONANALYSIS CHART
Signs of Dehydration
- Dryness in the mouth (cotton mouth) - Shortness
of breath - Headache - Decrease and/or
discoloration in urine - Nausea and/or vomiting,
loss of appetite - Loss of coordination -
Confusion - Elevated core temperature
OK
DRINK 1 CANTEEN
URINE COLOR
DRINK 1 CANTEEN OVER 15 MINUTES
DRINK 2-3 CANTEENS OVER 60 MINUTES
Note 1 Canteen 1 Quart
3
HYDRATIONANALYSIS CHART
OK
DRINK 1 CANTEEN
URINE COLOR
DRINK 1 CANTEEN OVER 15 MINUTES
DRINK 2-3 CANTEENS OVER 60 MINUTES
Note 1 Canteen 1 Quart
4
PREVENTING HEAT INJURY

• Before PT
• Daily intake of at least eight glasses (8 ozs.
  per glass).
• Increase water intake with activity or hot
  weather.
• Drink two glasses of water 15-30 minutes prior
  to exercise.
• During PT
• Drink small amounts of fluid gradually to avoid
  dehydration (6-8 ozs. of cool fluid during
  exercise at 10-15 minute intervals.)
• If the activity is greater than 90 minutes,
  drink watered down fruit juice or a sports drink
  (6-8 glucose (sugar) solution).
• This replaces valuable blood sugar (glucose) to
  help prevent hitting the wall and becoming
  fatigued.

5
Common Signs of Dehydration

• What to Look For
• Thirsty and/or dryness in the mouth (cotton
  mouth)
• Decrease/discoloration in urine
• Nausea and/or vomiting, loss of appetite
• Headache
• Dehydration may lead to Heat Exhaustion or Heat
  Stroke!
• What to Do
• Stop the activity
• Drink small amounts of cool fluids, 6-8 oz. at
  10-15 minute intervals.
• Loosen constrictive clothing
• Seek medical assistance

6
PREVENTING HEAT INJURY
ACCLIMATION - Gradually get used to the heat
with approximately 1.5 hours of
exposure each day. - New arrivers to area need a
minimum of 30 days to adjust.
7
PREVENTING DEHYDRATION/HEAT INJURY
HEAT INTOLERANCE may be increased by -
Excessive alcohol consumption - Inadequate
sleep - Medications which cause dehydration -
Excessive coffee/tea (Caffeine) - Obesity
8
WATER REQUIREMENTS SNCOs should ensure troops
drink water Drink small quantities often (6
ounces/20 min.) Water should be COOL (50-60F)
palatable Drink watered-down fruit juice or a
sports drink (a 6-8 glucose solution) during
excessive work or exercise
9
Preventing Heat Injury
- Conduct outdoor activities during cooler
parts of the day - Wear light colored,
breathable clothing (cotton, etc.)- Limit
amount of time spent in heat- Schedule cool down
times into p.t. time- Drink plenty of water
before, during, and after activity.
10
HEAT STROKE

• Symptoms
• Confusion, delirium, or unconsciousness
• Hot, dry, red or flushed skin, even under
  armpits.
• Treatment
• 1- Call 911 or seek emergency assistance.
• 2- If the body temperature reaches 105,
  immediately
• strip clothing down to underwear. Sponge the
  body
• with cool water and fan to lower the body
  temperature.
• 3- If the temperature is lowered to 102, use
  care to avoid
• overcooling.
• Ref Healthwise
  Handbook, 13th Edition

11
Flag Conditions MCO 6200.1D
COLOR WBGT INDEX ACTIVITY
GREEN 80 - 84.9 Use
discretion in
unacclimated persons
YELLOW 85 - 87.9 Stop
strenuous activity
for unacclimated
persons
RED 88 - 89.9
Stop strenuous exercise

for personnel
with less
than 12 weeks living in

hot
weather

BLACK 90.00 Stop
ALL physical
activity EXCEPT

mission essential