1 Hot & Cold Weather Injuries and Emergencies Authored by John W. Desmarais 18-May-1999 Updated by 09-Jul-2008 Modified by Lt Colonel Fred Blundell TX-129th Fort Worth Senior Squadron For Local Training Rev Jan-2014

2 This Training Slide Show is a project undertaken by Lt Colonel Fred Blundell of the TX-129 Fort Worth Senior Squadron, Fort Worth, TX for local use to assist those CAP Members interested in advancing their skills. The information contained herein is for CAP Members personal use and is not intended to replace or be a substitute for any of the CAP National Training Programs. Users should review the presentations Revision Number at the end of each file name to ensure that they have the most current publication.

3 The HOT Hot Weather Injuries Heat Cramps Heat Exhaustion Heat Stroke

4 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 patients forehead –Transport the person to a medical care facility if symptoms worsen

5 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 patients skin to promote sweat evaporation –If conscious provide electrolyte drinks –Treat for shock and transport to a medical care facility

6 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 patients armpits, groin, under the neck, and behind the knees –Treat for shock and transport the patient to a medical care facility

7 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 Dont be afraid to stop, rest and drink

8 The COLD Cold Weather Injuries Frostbite – –Early stage – –Later stage Hypothermia – –Early stage – –Later stage

9 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

10 Later Stage Frostbite Symptoms – –Skin turns mottled or blotchy, then yellow, and finally greyish-blue Treatment –Transport the patient to a medical care facility immediately –DO NOT massage a frostbitten body part

11 Early Stage Hypothermia Symptoms – –Uncontrollable shivering – –Numbness ! It does not have to be freezing out for hypothermia to happen! 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

12 Later Stage Hypothermia Symptoms – –Drowsiness – –Inability to perform simple actions – –Slow pulse and breathing rate – –Failing eyesight and a glassy stare – –Unconsciousness 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

13 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

14 QUESTIONS? ALWAYS THINK SAFETY!