Environmental Emergencies Los Alamos Fire Department EMT-Basic Curriculum

Cold Weather Emergencies Hypothermia Frostbite Frostnip

Prolonged exposure to cold Ears, nose, fingers and feet Skin may be freezing while deeper tissues are unaffected

Frostnip Skin pale and cold to the touch Loss of feeling and sensation

Frostnip Treatment Remove from cold Handle gently Administer oxygen Remove wet or restricting clothing Rewarm gradually Splint and cover loosely with dry sterile dressing Do not allow exposure to cold

Frostbite Frozen tissues Permanent damage Hard and waxy Purple and white or mottled and cyanotic

Frostbite Treatment Remove from further cold exposure Handle the injured part gently Administer oxygen Remove any wet or restricting clothing Do not re-expose to cold

Frostbite treatment Cover with dry sterile dressing Do not massage the area

Hypothermia Body temperature below 95 degrees Weather does not have to be below freezing for hypothermia to occur Elderly and infants are at higher risk People with other illnesses and injuries are susceptible to hypothermia

Loss of Body Heat Conduction Convection Evaporation Radiation Respiration

Heat Conservation Increase heat production (shivering) Shelter ( covering head will minimize radiation heat loss 70%) Clothing

Mild Hypothermia degrees F Shivering Constricted Blood Vessels Rapid Breathing Withdrawn

Moderate Hypothermia degrees F Muscle stiffness Loss of Coordination Slowing Respirations Slow pulse Confused Sleepy

Severe Hypothermia Degrees F Coma Weak Pulse Arrythmias Very slow respirations Unresponsive

Very Bad Hypothermia <80 Degrees F Apparent Death Cardiac Arrest Unresponsive

Hypothermia Treatment Remove patient from cold environment. Handle gently! Do not allow patient to walk. Remove any wet clothing and cover with blankets Oxygen (warm humidified) Do not massage extremities. Check for pulse (30-45 seconds)

Hypothermia Treatment Begin rewarming if patient is alert Heat packs Do not actively rewarm severe hypothermia May cause fatal cardiac arrythmias

Heat related injuries Heat Cramps Heat exhaustion Heat Stroke Normal Body Temperature is 98.6 degrees F

Heat Cramps Painful muscle spasms after exercise Dehydration and loss of electrolytes Usually leg or abdominal muscles

Heat Cramps Treatment Remove from hot environment Loosen any tight clothing Rest the cramping muscle Replace fluids by mouth (gatorade). Transport

Heat exhaustion Onset while working hard or exercising in hot environment. In elderly and young, onset may occur while at rest in hot, humid, and poorly ventilated areas. Cold, clammy skin. Dry tongue and thirst.

Heat Exhaustion Signs and Symptoms Dizziness, weakness, or fainting Normal or slightly elevated body temperature Normal or increased pulse

Heat exhaustion treatment Remove patient from hot environment Remove excess clothing Oxygen Lie victim down and elevate legs Fan to cool If conscious, give water slowly. Transport on side

Heat Stroke Body subjected to more heat than it can handle Body temperature rises rapidly Tissues are destroyed 106 degrees or more

Heat Stroke Signs and Symptoms Hot, dry, flushed skin May be moist in early stages Change in behavior leading to unresponsiveness Pulse rate is rapid, then slow. Death can occur if the patient is not treated rapidly

Heat Stroke Treatment Get the body temperature down by any means possible!

Heat Stroke Treatment Move patient out of hot environment Air conditioning Remove clothing Oxygen Cool packs Wet towels or sheets Fan aggressively Transport Call hospital early