Environmental Emergencies Heat and Cold Related Illnesses

Introduction Once the signals of heat-related illness or cold-related emergencies begin to appear, a person’s condition can quickly worsen. People at risk: workers outside, exercise outdoors, elderly people, young children, people with health problems or medical conditions that cause poor blood circulation Diuretics: Condition where people who take medications to eliminate water from the body.

Heat Related Illnesses Heat Cramps Least severe of the illnesses Body is having trouble with the heat. What to Look for: Painful muscle spasms in Legs and abdomen. What to do: Help person move to a cool place to rest Give electrolytes and carbohydrates containing fluids Lightly stretch the muscle and gently message NO salt tablets or supplements Watch for further signs to continue

Heat Related Illnesses Heat Exhaustion More severe condition Affects athletes, firefighters, construction workers, factory workers and people wearing heavy clothing in heat. What to Look for: Cool, moist, pale, ashen or flushed skin Headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness What to do: Remove from heat source Loosen or remove clothing Apply cool, wet sources Conscious and can swallow- give cool electrolyte fluids Do not allow person to resume activity If unconscious or vomiting- Call 911

Heat Related Illnesses Heat Stroke Most severe but least common Develops when the body systems are overwhelmed by heat and begin to stop functioning. What to Look for: Extremely high body temperature, red skin that can be either dry or moist, change in consciousness, rapid, weak pulse, shallow breathing, confusion, vomiting, and seizures What to do: Call 911 Rapidly cool the body by immersing the person up to the neck in cold water or douse with cold water Cover with bags of ice Monitor person’s temperature if possible

Cold Related Illnesses Frostbite Freezing of body parts exposed to the cold Severity depends on the air temperature, length of exposure, and the wind Can result in the loss of fingers, hands, arms, toes, feet and legs What to Look for: Lack of feeling in the affected area Swelling and skin that appears waxy, cold to the touch or discolored Blisters or area may turn black and deep tissue damage What to do: Call 911 Handle area gently, do not rub area or break blisters Remove wet clothing and jewelry Soak body in warm water Monitor condition if gets worst

Cold Related Illnesses Hypothermia Entire body cools because its ability to keep warm is failing Air temperature does not have to be freezing Certain conditions that can cause hypothermia Ingestion of substances (ex. Alcohol) Any medical conditions that impair circulation Prolonged exposure to cold, wet and windy conditions What to Look for: Shivering, Numbness, glassy stare, indifference, loss of consciousness What to do: Call 911 Move to warm place Warm the body gradually Give warm liquids Do not rub affected area Unconsciousness- check for breathing, give CPR and warm body

Prevention Do not go outdoors during the hottest or coldest part of the day Change your activity level according to the temperature Take frequent breaks Dress appropriately for the environment Drink large amounts of fluid