Prevention and Tx of Field Related Injuries

Question 1

Types of heat injuries (6)

Answer 1

• Sunburn- A bad case of sunburn can be incapacitation. Wear protective clothing.
• Prickly heat rash- Rashes in tropics take a long time to heal, itching and scratching can lead to infection.
• Fungus infections- Found in hot weather or humid settings. Infections will leave open sores on feet and groin.
• Heat Cramps- Painful cramps in the muscles.
• Heat exhaustion- More serious than heat cramps
• Heat stroke- Most serious heat related problem. It’s the total collapse of the body’s heat regulatory mechanism.

Question 2

Treatment for heat cramps

Answer 2

• Give the victim small sips of cool water.
• Remove the victim to a cool or shaded area.
• Massage cramped muscles.
• Transport victim to medical attention is more serious condition are present.

Question 3

Treatment for heat exhaustion

Answer 3

• Remove excessive clothing
• Place the victim in a cool, shaded area
• Fan or sprinkle victim w/ water to keep cool
• Give victim small sips of water if conscious
• Treat victim also for shock
• Seek medical attention should indications of a more serious problem exist.

Question 4

Treatment for heat stroke

Answer 4

• Send for medical assistance
• Move the victim to cool, shaded area
• Loosen victim’s clothing and equipment
• Apply water or ice to the victim’s entire body, fanning them as much as possible
• Don’t attempt to force victim to drink
• Ensure airway remains open and victim continues to breathe.

Question 5

Types of cold injuries (3)

Answer 5

Frostbite

Trench or immersion foot

Hypothermia

Question 6

Treatment for frostbite

Answer 6

• Move casualty to a heated area such as vehicle or heating tent.
• Remove/loosen constrictive clothing to all blood to circulate freely
• Transport victim to medical facility if it has penetrated below the upper layers of the skin and into the muscles.
• Never heat a frostbitten part with open heat source
• Don’t rewarm if there is any chance that the affected part may freeze again.

Question 7

Treatment for trench foot or immersion foot

Answer 7

• Keep feet dry.
• Keep feet warm
• Change socks often and air dry or blot the moisture off
• Change socks often and use foot powder to absorb excess moisture.
• Only wear vapor barrier boots when necessary, and once afflicted, walk only as much as necessary.

Question 8

Treatment for hypothermia

Answer 8

• Evacuate the individual to a medical facility. If not transportation move to a warming shelter.
• Remove all wet clothing and replace w/ dry items
• Gradually warm body. Place as much insulation between the individual and the ground as possible to avoid conductive heat loss.
• Continuously monitor the victim’s respiration and heartbeat: administer CPR.
• Warm liquids in small sips may be given if the victim is conscious.