PSR ExpertPrimitive Survival Rating
Field first-aid bandage and cloth wrap laid on mossy wood

Field First Aid

Heat illness & hypothermia

Environmental injury management is older than modern medicine—shade, water, insulation and gradual rewarming.

1 min readMedium energyHigh reliability

At a glance

Energy investmentMedium energyPrevention (pace, layers) costs less than rescue.
ReliabilityHigh reliability
TimeOngoing management

Materials

  • Shade or insulation
  • Water
  • Dry layers
  • Sweet fluids if conscious

Steps

  1. 1Heat: stop activity, shade, cool skin, sip water if alert.
  2. 2Heat stroke signs (confusion, hot skin)—cool aggressively and evacuate.
  3. 3Cold: replace wet layers, insulate from ground, warm sweet drinks if conscious.
  4. 4Never rub frostbitten tissue with snow; protect and evacuate.

Common mistakes

  • Pushing through early heat cramps
  • Alcohol “to warm up”
  • Rewarming too fast after severe hypothermia without support

Region fit

Best in: Temperate forest, Tropical jungle, Desert, Mountains, Snow & ice, Coast & swamp

  • Temperate forestGood fit
  • Tropical jungleGood fit
  • DesertGood fit
  • MountainsGood fit
  • Snow & iceGood fit
  • Coast & swampGood fit

Fit keyGood fitPoor fitAvoid

Other methods

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