Heat Disorders Can I cancel my HEAT ORDERS?

Headache, dizziness & confusion Loss of appetite & nausea Sweating with pale, clammy skin Temperature – normal or slightly higher Thirst Muscle cramps (arms, legs or abdomen) Increase and weakening of respiratory and heart rate Heat exhaustion Signs & Symptoms:

Provide cool environment. Lay flat, remove excess clothing & shade casualty from direct heat Hydrate Monitor vital signs & level of response Call for ambulance if vital signs worsen Treatment:

Headache, dizziness & discomfort Altered mental status Hot, flushed & dry skin Rapid deterioration in level of response Full, bounding pulse Temperature >40 degrees celsius Ataxia Heat stroke Signs & Symptoms:

Treatment: Move casualty away from heat. Call ambulance. Provide cool environment -Lay casualty flat. Remove clothing. -Shade from direct heat -Wrap in cold, wet sheet. Keep sheet wet with water and fan. -Alternatively, sponge with cold water. -Apply cold compress to neck, armpits, trunk, abdomen & groins Correct WRONG!!!

Monitor temperature -Monitor for possible hypothermia and rebound hypothermia -Document duration of temperature increase, how high it was & how long it took to cool the casualty -Once casualty’s temperature appears to have returned to normal, replace wet sheet with a dry one -Repeat cooling process if temperature rises again Monitor vital signs, including temperature & level of response I scream anybody?

 Allergic reaction  Release of histamine  Widespread vasodilation

Signs & Symptoms:  Rapid, shallow pulse  Cool, clammy skin  Delayed capillary refill  Cyanosis Treatment:  Lay casualty down  Ensure ABC  Elevate legs unless contraindicated  Keep casualty warm  Monitor vital signs at least every 5 minutes

Pain in the neck or back at the injury site Irregular or twist in the normal curve of the spine Tenderness in the skin over the spine Signs & Symptoms:  When the vertebra (spine) is damaged

Loss of control over limbs Loss of sensation, or abnormal sensation such as burning or tingling Loss of bladder &/or bowel control Breathing difficulty  When the spinal cord is damaged

Treatment:  Reassure casualty and advice him not to move, especially his head  Call for ambulance  Stabilise the head & continue to support till EMS takes over  DO NOT REMOVE HEAD SUPPORT  Ensure ABC. Use jaw-thrust to open the air-way if required  prepare to resuscitate if necessary  Use log role technique to turn the casualty if required  Monitor level of response

Seizure Signs & Symptoms: Aura Unexpected & unexplained collapse Localised/ full body convulsion or temporary disconnection with the present Postictal recovery phase AHHHH!!!

Treatment: Protect from harm, but do not restrain. Note duration & nature of seizure. Do not place any object in mouth Place on one side to maintain open airway during postictal recovery phrase. Perform complete casualty assessment to check for other injuries. Protect casualty’s dignity Monitor vital signs Protect the casualty’s DIGNITY!!!

Signs & Symptoms:  Chest discomfort or pain on exertion  Breathlessness  Sweating  Nausea  Pain lasting usually 3-5 mins  Pain radiates to left arm

Treatments:  Ensure ABC  Loosen tight clothing  Reassure casualty if conscious  Ask casualty to take aspirin and GTN if prescribed  Monitor LOC and vital signs at least every 5mins DO NOT:  Give GTN if LOC is decreasing

NO, NOT THIS!

YES, THIS ONE!

Signs & Symptoms: Severe vice-like chest pain Pain radiates to left arm Shortness of breath Nausea Vomiting Irregular pulse Ashen skin* Feeling of doom* May occur at rest* Not relieved by rest or GTN*

Treatment: Call ambulance 995 Ensure ABC Loosen tight clothing Reassure casualty if conscious Place casualty in most comfortable position – usually half- seating position Monitor LOC and vital signs at least every 5 minutes Prepare to resuscitate when necessary Give medication, if any Literally….

THAT’S ALL FOLKS!!!THAT’S ALL FOLKS!!!