Hydration and Dehydration
Hydration and Dehydration Assessment and Treatment
Water accounts for 50% to 70% of the body’s weight. Because sweating involves loss of body mass, measuring changes in body weight is the simplest way to rapidly assess hydration status. However, wilderness first aid kits will almost never include an accurate scale with which to weigh a patient, so estimation of hydration status must rely on other observations (Table 46-1). Prevention of dehydration is key (Table 46-2).
Table 46-2
Fluid Replacement Guidelines for Warm-Weather Training (Applies to Average Acclimated Soldier Wearing BDU in Hot Weather)*
BDU, Battle dress uniform; NL, no limit to work time per hour; WBGT, wet bulb global temperature.
Rest means minimal physical activity (sitting or standing), accomplished in shade if possible.
quarts. Daily fluid intake should not exceed 12 quarts.Buy Membership for Emergency Medicine Category to continue reading. Learn more here
