Diagnosis of Heat Stress Injuries

All heat stress injuries are best recognised by having a high index of suspicion in appropriate settings. Hot climates and high humidity conditions are obviously high-risk settings. However, hot workspaces, inadequate fluid replacement, or the impact of protective equipment may be less obvious to ship’s officers with healthcare or first aid responder responsibilities. It is worth noting that military related cases of heat stroke, although more common in summer, have occurred in the coldest part of the year.