HEAT INJURY
Conditions: You see a Soldier who appears to be suffering from a heat injury. Casualty is responsive but confused. On a FOB, non-CBRNE.
Understanding This Task
This is a two-part task: written identification of all three heat injuries (signs, symptoms, and treatments), then a hands-on treatment of heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency — begin cooling immediately, even before removing clothes.
Key thresholds: Heat exhaustion = up to 104°F. Heat stroke = above 106°F within 15 minutes, with hot/dry skin and confusion.
Common NO-GO Mistakes
- At least 3 correct signs/symptoms for heat exhaustion and heat stroke
- 100% accuracy for heat cramps identification
- Failing to request MEDEVAC for heat stroke
- Not beginning aggressive cooling immediately
Task Basis: 081-000-0016
Video Resources
ATP 4-02.11 Doctrine
From Army Techniques Publication 4-02.11, 23 March 2026 — Chapter 17: Climatic and Environmental Injuries
Heat cramps and heat exhaustion (para 17-13): Heat exhaustion is often preceded by heat cramps — muscle cramps of the arms, legs, or abdomen. These conditions act as early indicators. Identify and treat before they progress to heat stroke: rest, water, shade, evaluation, and possible medical care. Heat exhaustion signs include heavy sweating, pale/cool/clammy skin, weakness, dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, elevated heart rate, and nausea. Temperature may be elevated but typically remains below 104°F (40°C).
Heat exhaustion treatment (para 17-10): Move to a cooler environment. Have the casualty lie down and elevate legs slightly. Provide cool water or electrolyte drink. Loosen or remove tight or unnecessary clothing. Apply a cool wet cloth to the skin, especially on the neck, face, and armpits. Use a fan to aid evaporation. If no improvement within 30 minutes or condition worsens, seek medical assistance immediately — heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.
Heat stroke — medical emergency (para 17-14, 17-15): Heat stroke is characterized by a rapid rise in body temperature above 104°F (40°C), often with hot dry skin (lack of sweating), altered mental state, difficulty breathing, seizures, and rapid strong heartbeat. Reduce body temperature as quickly as possible: immerse in cold water, apply cold water with wet towels, fan while misting. Apply ice/cold packs to neck, axilla (armpit), and groin — these sites allow rapid cooling of major blood vessels. Call for MEDEVAC immediately. Monitor vital signs continuously.
Source: ATP 4-02.11, Chapter 17, para 17-9 through 17-17
- Heat stroke is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY — begin cooling IMMEDIATELY.
- 100% accuracy for heat cramps. At least 3 correct for exhaustion and stroke.
- Always request MEDEVAC for heat stroke.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
0/4 GO- 1
Identify: Heat Cramps
- Signs: Muscle cramps of arms, legs, and/or abdomen.
- Treatment: Move to shade and rest. Loosen clothing. Oral rehydration.
- 2
Identify: Heat Exhaustion
- Signs: Profuse sweating, pale/gray/moist/cool skin. Headache. Weakness. Dizziness. Temperature up to 104°F.
- Treatment: Move to shade. Oral rehydration (unless nauseated). Loosen/remove clothing and boots. Pour water and fan. Cover with ice sheet, elevate legs.
-
3
Identify: Heat Stroke CRITICAL
- Signs: Core temperature above 106°F within 15 min. Hot, dry skin. Headache. Dizziness. Nausea. Confusion. Weakness. Weak/rapid pulse and respirations.
- Treatment: Call for evacuation. Cool by ANY means available (even before removing clothes). Remove outer garments. Lay down, elevate legs. Ice sheets/packs to groin, armpits, neck. Immerse in cold water if available. Cover all but face with soaked ice sheet. Evacuate.
- 4
Treat for heat stroke (hands-on)
- Call for evacuation (verbalize).
- Begin aggressive cooling immediately.
- Remove outer garments and protective clothing.
- Lay casualty down, elevate legs.
- Apply ice packs to groin, armpits, and around neck.
- Immerse in cold water if available.
- Cover all but face with soaked ice sheet.
- Evacuate (verbalize).
Go Deeper — ATP 4-02.11 Reference
Detailed doctrine from the Army Techniques Publication: