HYPOTHERMIA, FROSTBITE AND HEAT STROKE

Extended exposure to extreme temperature conditions can be very dangerous

- cause your core body temperature to rise or fall to life-threatening levels - young and elderly are especially susceptible to dangers of extreme temperatures

HEAT STROKE

- occurs when heat exhaustion is not treated - lack of relief causes body's heat-regulating mechanisms to break down - cause life-threatening situtation - if not treated properly, vital organs will stop functioning - brain damage/death may occur

FROSTBITE

- occurs when ice crystals form in body tissues - most commonly affected areas include body parts farthest away from trunk - fingers, toes, ears, nose are very susceptible to frostbite

HEAT EXHAUSTION

- occurs when the body has exhausted its means to cool itself by sweating - blood flow decreased to vital organs to keep the core temperature near normal -> very dangerous as can cause to go into shock

HYPOTHERMIA

- state which the body's core temperature drops below normal

Suspect any suffering from hypothermia

1. Call EMS immediately. 2. Warm the victim's body gradually. Place the victim in a warm, comfortable environment. Remove any wet clothing. Cover the victim with a blanket and warm, dry clothes. Do not place in a hot bath. A rapid rise in body temperature can cause strain on the heart. 3. If the victim is conscious, give him or her warm liquids to drink. 4. Watch the victim for sudden changes in condition until EMS arrives.

Suspect any has frostbite

1. Get the victim into a warm environment. 2. Remove any wet clothing. 3. Submerge the affected area in warm water (no more than 105 degrees Fahrenheit) until unfrozen. Do not rub the area or place the area in hot water. 4. Wrap the damaged tissues loosely in sterile bandages. Separate toes and fingers with gauze. 5. Get medical help immediately.

Suspect any heat stroke

1. Get the victim out of the heat immediately. 2. Call EMS. 3. Remove the victim's clothing. 4. Cover the victim with cool, damp sheets or place him or her in a cool-water bath. 5. Fan the victim's body. 6. If the victim is conscious, give him or her cool water to drink. 7. Treat for shock. 8. Watch for changes in the victim's condition until help arrives.

Suspect any heat exhaustion

1. Get the victim out of the heat. 2. Have him or her lie down in a comfortable position with the legs elevated approximately 12 inches. 3. Remove sweat-saturated clothing. 4. Apply cool, damp cloths or towels to the victim's skin. 5. Fan the victim's body. 6. Give the victim cool water to drink. Whether the victim is thirsty or not, have him or her drink a cup of water every half-hour until symptoms subside.

Signs of heat stroke

Above-normal body temperature Hot, flushed skin Weakness Small pupils Diminished sweating Rapid breathing Rapid pulse Loss of consciousness

Extended exposure to extreme temperatures can be _____.

Dangerous

Signs of hypothermia at most dangerous level

Drowsiness Unconsciousness Decreasing rate of breathing Weak pulse

Initial signs of frostbite

Flushed skin color Pain Numbness Cold

______ are often the initial sign of a heat-related emergency.

Heat cramps

Signs of heat exhaustion

Heavy sweating Pale, moist skin or flushed skin Nausea Headache Dizziness Dilated pupils Vomiting

Initial signs of hypothermia :

Shivering Confusion Numbness Slow pulse Loss of coordination Apathy

Signs of moderate & severe frostbite

White or grayish skin Rigid surface tissue Blisters Numbness

Heat stroke can lead to ____ damage or even death.

brain

Covering the victim with a blanket and putting on warm dry clothes will help a victim of hypothermia to warm up ______.

gradually

The signs of ______ might include pale, moist skin, heavy sweating, and dizziness.

heat exhaustion

The signs of ______ include hot, flushed skin and diminished sweating.

heat stroke

Exposure to extremely cold weather can cause cold-related emergencies

hypothermia frostbite

Core temperature

indicates the temperature of vital organs - if drop too far, vital organs shut down and cause death - as it drops, body becomes more lethargic

Activity, old age, obesity make an individual

more susceptible to heat-related illnesses

Overexposure to hot and humid weather cause

people to suffer from heat exhaution and heat stroke

The initial signs of hypothermia might include:

shivering confusion numbness slow pulse apathy loss of coordination

Heat cramps are

the first sign of a heat-related emergency - painful muscle spasms, usually in abdomen and legs

If someone is suffering from frostbite, submerge the affected area in ______ water until unfrozen; do not rub the area.

warm

Signs of moderate to severe frostbite include:

white / grayish skin blisters numbness