Internally Peer Reviewed The type and number of heat injuries anticipated changes with environmental and physical factors. The spectrum of heat illnesses ranges from mild to severe as body temperature increases as seen in figure 9-23 below. Table 9-7 summarizes prevention, symptoms and treatment methods for each type of heat injury. Spectrum of Heat Illness Table 9-7. These are painful and severe cramps of the voluntary muscles, primarily in the extremities and abdominal wall.
Heat cramps result primarily from the excess loss of salt through sweating.
The body temperature remains normal unless accompanied by heat exhaustion. Heat syncope occurs when there is excessive pooling of the blood in the extremities, consequently the brain does not receive enough blood. This is most likely to occur when standing after a march or exercise. Heat syncope may be avoided by not requiring personnel to stand still in the heat, particularly after exercise. Heat exhaustion results from peripheral vascular collapse due to excessive water and salt depletion.