First Aid Lessons 7-9

Lesson 7: Heat Injuries For your body to work properly it must maintain a normal temperature for about 98 degrees fahrenheit. If you body gets too hot or cold, you may risk health problems, and even death.

Heat cramps These are muscular pains and spasms caused by lack of salt through heavy perspiration. To treat heats cramps do the following. 1. Move to shady area or improvise shade 2.loosen clothing 3.drink large amounts of cool water slowley 4.monitor vitim amd give more water as needed

Heat exhaustion Occurs when fluids are not adequately replaced. When the body loses large amounts of water it reduces blood flow to vital organs. Symptoms are as follows 1.heavy sweating 5.headaches 2.weakness 6.loss of appetite 3.dizziness 7.heat cramps 4.pale, moist skin 8.Confusion

Heatstroke This can be fatal if not treated asap. The victim has no more fluids to produce sweat and protect itself from overheating. This overheating can cause brain damage and death. Symptoms include 1.no sweating 4.weak,fast pulse 2.hot, dry red skin 5.seizures, or sudden collapse 3.headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting

Treating heat stroke Treat heatstroke as follows. 1.move victim to cool shady area 2.loosen clothing,remove any outer garments and protective clothing 3.pour or immerse victim in cool water or messages legs and arms with cool water 4.slowly give victim water and seek medical treatment

Lesson 8: cold weather injuries Factors to consider in cold weather injuries. 1.weather 2.stress 3.clothing 4.physical makeup 5.psychological factors

Other factors 1.in contact with ground for extended periods of time 2.immobile for long periods of time 3.out in the cold for days without being warmed 4.deprived of diet or rest 5.careless about hygiene

Frostbite Frostbite is caused when ice crystals form in body tissues restricting blood flow to the affected parts. Signs of frostbite include redness or grayish skin, blisters (which appear in 12 to 36 hours), painless or numb skin that is pale yellowish, frozen swollen tissue. To treat frostbite move victim out of wind and cold, keep victim warm, covers cheeks, ears and nose with hands. Put victims fingertips in their armpits, and place victims feet under the clothes of another person. insulate covered parts of body, loses clothing, remove wet clothing. Seek medical treatment.

"Don'ts" when dealing with frostbite Never attempt to thaw a part of the body if you cannot keep it warm until help arrives. It is dangerous for the part of the body to rethaw. Avoid having victim walk on frostbitten feet, do not warm injured part by messaging, do not expose to open fire, do not try to increase circulation by moving injured part, do not break any blister or use any ointments, do not let victim use alcohol,or tobacco.

Hypothermia This is the cooling of the body below 95 degrees. This causes the body to lose heat faster than it can make it. signs of hypothermia include shivering or trembling, cold skin, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, mental confusion, uncoordinated movement, slurred speech, cold skin, low body temp. Rigid muscles, decreasing heart/breathing rate, unconsciousness. To treat hypothermia you must reheat the victim slowly, remove any wet clothing and keep victim dry, move victim inside, keep victim awake. When treating hypothermia, also be ready to start basic life supporting measures Nd to seek medical attention immediately.

Snow blindness This is the effect of the glare from ice or snow. Signs of snow blindness include a gritty feeling in the eyes, pain in the eyes, watery red eyes, headache, and increased pain with exposure to light. To treat snow blindness cover the eyes with dark cloth. Rest eyes without exposure to light and seek medical treatment.

Dehydration Symptoms of cold weather dehydration are similar to heat exhaustion. Treat as follows. Move victim out of wind and cold and keep them warm, loosen tight clothes to improve circulation, and seek medical treatment.

Lesson 9: bites, stings, poisonous hazards Snakebites: there are 4 kinds of poisonous snakes in the U.S. The rattlesnake, copperhead, cottonmouth, and coral snake. While treating all snakebites, get victim away from snake, immobilize affected area below the level of the heart, remove all rings or jewelry, was bit with soap and water, apply constricting bands 2-4 inches above bite. Do not give victim any food or drinks with caffeine, seek medical aid asap.

Insect bites Many insect bites can cause allergic reaction. Any reactions and you should seek medical attention. Bites from poisonous insects and spiders (like black widow, brown recluse) most times can be fatal. Always seek medical attention. No matter what sting or bite take the following steps, remove any stinger left in skin by running fingernail or knife over skin, wash area with soap and water and use antiseptic, use ice pack at site of sting or bite,apply calamine lotion or baking soda and water paste to relieve itching, treat serious reactions like snakebites. Be prepared to perform life saving measured.

Poisonous plants Most plants are harmless, but those like poison ivy, oak, and sumac produce an oil that cause many to have allergic reations, some severe. In general you should treat all reactions with plants as follows. Remove contaminated clothing, wash al, exposed areas of skin, apply calamine of other soothing lotions to relieve itching, seek medical attention of rash is severe. To prevent exposure to poisonous plants, dress appropriately for outdoor activities, avoid areas where you know poisonous plants can be, do not ingest and plant or twig, stem or leaf you do not recognize.