How should a corpsman respond to a casualty exhibiting signs of heat stroke?

The appropriate response for a corpsman encountering a casualty exhibiting signs of heat stroke is to ensure immediate transfer to a cool environment. Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition characterized by a significant elevation in body temperature, often accompanied by confusion, altered mental status, and potentially the loss of consciousness. This condition results from the body’s inability to regulate its temperature, which can cause damage to internal organs and lead to serious complications.

By moving the casualty to a cooler location, the corpsman significantly reduces exposure to high temperatures and begins the process of cooling the body down. Cooling methods can include removing excess clothing, using cool water, or applying ice packs to critical areas (like the armpits, groin, and neck) to rapidly lower the core temperature. This immediate intervention is vital to prevent further complications and can be life-saving.

Providing warm fluids for hydration is counterproductive, as heat stroke elevates body temperature; hydration should be with cool fluids if the person is conscious and able to drink. Encouraging physical activity would be harmful, as it would increase the body’s temperature even further. Similarly, waiting for symptoms to resolve without intervention can be perilous, as heat stroke can lead to severe health consequences without immediate treatment.