Hot & Cold Weather Injuries & Emergencies
Developed as part of the National Emergency Services Curriculum Project
Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 1
Progression of Heat Injuries
• Heat Cramps • Heat Exhaustion • Heat Stroke
Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002
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Heat Cramps
• Symptoms
– Severe muscle cramps – General Weakness – Dizziness and fainting • Treatment
– – – – Move to a cool shady place Electrolyte drinks Massage the cramped area Apply moist towels to the cramped muscle and the patient’s forehead – Transport the person to a medical care facility if symptoms worsen
Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002
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Heat Exhaustion
• Symptoms
– Rapid and shallow breathing – Weak pulse – Cold and clammy skin – Heavy perspiration – Weakness and dizziness • Treatment
– Move to a cool shady place – Remove enough clothing to cool the patient – Fan the patient’s skin to promote sweat evaporation – If conscious provide electrolyte drinks – Treat for shock and transport to a medical care facility
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Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002
Heat Stroke
• Symptoms
– Deep breathing becoming progressively more shallow – Rapid strong pulse becoming weaker – Dry and hot skin – Unconsciousness, seizures, and muscular twitching – Dilated pupils
• Treatment
– Remove the person from any heat sources and remove clothing – Immerse the patient in cool water, or use cold wet towels or ice packs on the patient’s armpits, groin, under the neck, and behind the knees – Treat for shock and transport the patient to a medical care facility
Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002
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Heat Stress Prevention
• Drink plenty of water per day
– 2 quarts minimum on mild days – 6 to 8 quarts on hot days or 1 quart an hour – Frequent sipping is better than guzzling
• • • • •
Monitor the color of your urine Wear loose fitting and open clothing Do not overexert yourself Use the buddy system Don’t be afraid to stop, rest and drink
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Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002
Cold Weather Injuries
• Frostbite
– Early stage – Later stage
• Hypothermia
– Early stage – Later stage
Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002
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Early Stage Frostbite
• Symptoms
– Skin turns from red to white and waxy – Numbness in the affected area
• Treatment
– Warm the affected area using body heat – DO NOT massage a frostbitten body part
Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002
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Later Stage Frostbite
• Symptoms
– Skin turns mottled o blotchy, then yellow, and finally greyishblue
• Treatment
– Transport the patient to a medical care facility immediately – DO NOT massage a frostbitten body part
Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002
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Early Stage Hypothermia
• Symptoms
– Uncontrollable shivering – Numbness
• Treatment
– Keep the patient warm and dry – Remove wet clothing – Warm the central body before the extremities to keep blood from flowing away from the major organs
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Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002
Later Stage Hypothermia
• Symptoms
– Drowsiness – Inability to perform simple actions – Slow pulse and breathing rate – Failing eyesight and a “glassy stare” – Unconsciousness
Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002
• Treatment
– All treatment steps for early hypothermia – Handle the patient gently and place in a head-down position – Transport the patient to medical care immediately
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Cold Injury Prevention
• Cover all extremities by using gloves, wool socks, knits hats, etc. • Dress in layers • Choose clothing that will trap air pockets yet allow moisture to pass through • Avoid getting wet • Change clothing when it is wet or dirty • Identify personnel with a history of cold weather injuries, and watch them carefully • Use the buddy system
Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 12
Hot & Cold Weather Injuries Tasks
• O-0003: Prevent and Treat Hot Weather Injuries • O-0004: Prevent and Treat Cold Weather Injuries
Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002
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QUESTIONS?
Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002
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