17:7 Providing First Aid for Heat Exposure

List 8 s&s of heat exhaustion:

Pale and clammy skin, profuse perspiration, weakness, fatigue/tiredness, headache, muscle cramps, nausea and/or vomiting, and dizziness and/or fainting.

What 2 things can high body temps (like 105F or 41C) cause in a very short period of time?

convulsions and/or death.

List 3 first aid treatments for heat cramps:

1. Firm pressure applied to cramped muscle to provide relief from discomfort. 2. Victim should rest and move to a cooler area. 3. Small sips of water or electrolyte solution.

List 4 first aid treatments for heat exhaustion: (can develop into heat stroke if not treated quickly)

1. Loosening or removing excessive clothing 2. Apply cool, wet cloths 3. Move victim to a cooler area whenever possible 4. Lay victim on back and elevate legs 12 inches. 5. Small sips of cool water, approx. 4 ounces every 15 minutes if victim is alert and conscious.

List 3 first aid treatments for heat stroke: (generally geared towards cooling the body quickly)

1. Place victim in tub of cool water 2. sponge skin w/ cool water 3. ice/cold packs placed on victim's wrists, ankles, in each axillary area and groin.

What occurs when the body is overexposed to heat?

A chemical imbalance can eventually lead to death.

How does internal body temp. differ in heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

Heat exhaustion- about normal just slightly elevated. Heat stroke- rises to 105 or higher

What are heat cramps?

Muscle pains and spasms that result from the loss of water and salt through perspiration, caused by exposure to heat.

Identify 2 precautions a victim should take after recovering from any condition caused by exposure to heat:

Must be warned to avoid abnormally warm or hot temps for several days. Encouraged to drink sufficient amounts of water and/or electrolyte solutions.

List 3 s&s of heat stroke:

Red, hot, and dry (normal body defenses such as sweating mechanism no longer work) skin; losing consciousness, and a rapid pulse that may remain strong.

If the victim does what 3 things that will alert you to get medical help immediately?

vomits, develops shock, or experiences respiratory distress.