Heat stress can strike while a soldier is pulling maintenance duty at the motor pool, while a civilian fans herself in an office with no air conditioning or while a family member mows the lawn. Sunburn is a frequent cause of heat injury for soldiers and community members. Repeated exposures can lead to skin cancers. Sunburn can be a factor even on cloudy days, but it is preventable. Simply use sunscreen or keep body parts covered.
Heat cramps are painful muscle crams caused by a heavy loss of salt in the body.
It is possible to lose more than quart of water per hour through sweating alone. Generally the cramps disappear with treatment. Move the victim to shade, loosen clothing and administer 8 oz. of water every 15-20 minutes. And remember, thirst is not an adequate indicator of dehydration. Treatment includes laying the victim in a cool, shady area, elevating feet and loosening clothing.