First on the Scene First Aid and CPR 1 First on the Scene – Lesson 21 Heat and Cold Injuries Hypothermia - a generalized cooling of the body core temperature below 37 o C (98.6 o F).  A drop of 2 degrees can affect body tissues.  Core temperature drops when the body loses more heat than it produces.  Conduction and convection (wet and wind) are often the main contributors. Student Reference Guide p. 21-1

First on the Scene First Aid and CPR 2 First on the Scene – Lesson 21 Hypothermia 1.Mild – characterized by shivering 2.Moderate – characterized by violent shivering; confusion; irrational behaviour 3.Severe – casualty is unconscious; no longer shivering; breathing is slow or absent; pulse is weak and irregular. Student Reference Guide p Stages

First on the Scene First Aid and CPR 3 First on the Scene – Lesson 21 Hypothermia - caution Hypothermia  can occur whenever the temperature is below 20 o C, the weather is windy, wet or both, or the casualty is at risk (elderly).  may be mistaken for other conditions such as drunkenness, stroke or drug abuse. Student Reference Guide p. 21-2

First on the Scene First Aid and CPR 4 First on the Scene – Lesson 21 Hypothermia Student Reference Guide p. 21-3, 21-5  Early recognition is the key to preventing hypothermia from getting worse.  The focus of first aid is to prevent further heat loss and get medical help.

First on the Scene First Aid and CPR 5 First on the Scene – Lesson 21 Heat and Cold Injuries Student Reference Guide p Frostbite  Refers to the freezing of tissues when exposed to temperatures below zero.  Is a progressive injury that occurs in 2 stages (1) superficial, and (2) deep

First on the Scene First Aid and CPR 6 First on the Scene – Lesson 21 Superficial  the full thickness of the skin is frozen  very painful at first Deep  the skin and deeper tissues are frozen  skin is cold and hard  the part is numb (no pain) Frostbite Student Reference Guide p. 21-7

First on the Scene First Aid and CPR 7 Superficial Frostbite First Aid  Cover the part with warm hands.  Warm frostbitten fingers by breathing on them or placing them in a warm area of the body (armpits, abdomen or groin).  Avoid further exposure to the cold. Student Reference Guide p First on the Scene – Lesson 21 Do not rub the area; do not apply direct heat; do not rub with snow.

First on the Scene First Aid and CPR 8 First on the Scene – Lesson 21 Deep Frostbite First Aid Attempt rewarming of a small part such as a hand or foot only if - (1) medial help is not available (2) you are in a safe, warm place, and (3) there is no danger of the part re-freezing Student Reference Guide p. 21-8

First on the Scene First Aid and CPR 9 First on the Scene – Lesson 21 Heat and Cold Injuries – Heat Cramps  painful muscle cramps, in the legs or abdomen caused by losing too much water and salt through sweating  usually caused by heavy exercise or physical work in a hot environment First Aid: Encourage casualty to drink as much water as possible; if symptoms persist get medical help. Student Reference Guide p. 21-9

First on the Scene First Aid and CPR 10 First on the Scene – Lesson 21 Heat and Cold Injuries – Heat Exhaustion  more serious than heat cramps  casualty has lost too much body fluid through excessive sweating.  signs of shock – pale, cool, sweaty skin  dizziness, headache, blurred vision, cramps First Aid: Give water to drink and position for shock. Get medical help. Student Reference Guide p. 21-9

First on the Scene First Aid and CPR 11 First on the Scene – Lesson 21 Heat and Cold Injuries – Heat Stroke  is a life-threatening condition where the body temperature rises far about normal  caused by prolonged exposure in a hot, humid, poorly ventilated environment Student Reference Guide p

First on the Scene First Aid and CPR 12 First on the Scene – Lesson 21 Heat and Cold Injuries – Heat Stroke 2 Types 1.Classic – temperature control mechanism fails; sweating stops (skin is hot, flushed and dry). 2.Exertional – temperature rises due to physical exertion in high temperatures; sweating continues. (Skin is hot, flushed and sweaty). First Aid: Lower the body temperature quickly. Get medical help.