Chapter 19 Heat and Cold Related Emergencies

Body temperature 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit Body maintains this temperature by balancing heat loss with heat production Hot environment-body dilates blood vessels to bring more blood to the surface so that heat can escape & sweating can cool down the body.

Body temperature continued Cold environment-blood vessels constrict which moves warm blood to the center of the body conserving heat. The body will shiver in order to produce more heat.

3 factors affecting body temperature regulation Air temperature Humidity Wind

3 Types of Heat Related Emergencies 1. Heat cramps-painful muscle spasms that occur without warning. This is due to a loss of fluid and salt from heavy sweating. Treatment- stop activity, hydrate and stretch area where contractions are occurring. Massage is also indicated.

Signs and symptoms-cool, moist pale skin. Nausea/vomiting, 2. Heat exhaustion- body is starting to become over heated. Severe sweating will occur where there is a great loss in fluid. The loss of fluid will result in a decrease in blood volume which will in turn not provide vital organs with an adequate blood supply. Signs and symptoms-cool, moist pale skin. Nausea/vomiting, weakness & severe sweating.

3. Heat Stroke The bodies cooling mechanism shuts down i.e.. Sweating stops and now the excessive heat will start to damage vital organs. Convulsions, coma and death will be the end result unless emergency care is given. Signs & Symptoms: red, hot, dry skin, changes in levels of consciousness & vomiting.

Treatment Call 911 immediately!!!!!

Cold emergencies 1. Frostbite-the freezing of body tissues due to long expose to extreme cold weather. What is really happening? The water in and between the body’s cells freezes & swells. Ice crystals form which can damage the cells.

Signs & Symptoms Decrease in Sensation Skin looks waxy, discolored (white, black, blue, & or yellow). Skin is cold to the touch

Care Remove person from the cold Take off wet clothing Do not rub affected area Why? Soak in warm water(100-105) until normal color returns. Bandage area with dry, sterile gauze-put extra gauze in between toes and fingers. Do not break blisters Call 911

Hypothermia The body temperature drops to 95 degrees or less. Signs & Symptoms: shivering, numbness, glassy stare, changes in levels of consciousness, weakness and impaired judgment. Decrease in breathing, irregular heart rhythm and muscle stiffness. Kim(male) died trying to get help for family in Oregon

Treatment Call 911 Put person in warm place Monitor ABCs Remove wet clothing and replace with warm clothing. Wrap in blankets Put hot packs on main arteries. Do not warm person too quickly. Do not immerse in warm water.

Preventing Cold and Heat Related Emergencies Avoid being out in extreme temperatures. Dress appropriately Change activity level according to the temperatures. Take breaks frequently Drink lots of fluids (at least 6-8oz glasses) Drink fluids that will help maintain your body temperature. I.e.. Cold=hot chocolate