1Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Hot & Cold Weather Injuries & Emergencies Developed as part of the National Emergency Services Curriculum Project

2Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Progression of Heat Injuries Heat Cramps Heat Exhaustion Heat Stroke

3Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 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 patient’s forehead –Transport the person to a medical care facility if symptoms worsen

4Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 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 patient’s skin to promote sweat evaporation –If conscious provide electrolyte drinks –Treat for shock and transport to a medical care facility

5Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 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 patient’s armpits, groin, under the neck, and behind the knees –Treat for shock and transport the patient to a medical care facility

6Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 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 Don’t be afraid to stop, rest and drink

7Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Cold Weather Injuries Frostbite –Early stage –Later stage Hypothermia –Early stage –Later stage

8Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 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

9Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Later Stage Frostbite Symptoms –Skin turns mottled o blotchy, then yellow, and finally greyish- blue Treatment –Transport the patient to a medical care facility immediately –DO NOT massage a frostbitten body part

10Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Early Stage Hypothermia Symptoms –Uncontrollable shivering –Numbness 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

11Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 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

12Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 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

13Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Hot & Cold Weather Injuries Tasks O-0003: Prevent and Treat Hot Weather Injuries O-0004: Prevent and Treat Cold Weather Injuries

14Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 QUESTIONS?