Heat and Cold Emergencies *Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke* Frostbite

Heat Cramps- painful muscle spasms that usually occur in the legs and abdomen due to lose of fluids CARE CARE –Have the person rest in a cool area –Lightly stretch cramping muscles –Give them a cool drink (Less severe than Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke)

Heat Exhaustion- typically occurs after long periods of strenuous work outdoors in a hot environment. The body’s cooling system is being overwhelmed. The body’s cooling system is being overwhelmed. *CARE *CARE –Rest in a cool place –Give the person cool water  If the condition worsens call EMS EMS

Heat Stroke- Most severe heat illness (the body is overwhelmed by its high temperature so it fails to function) SIGNS & SYMPTOMS SIGNS & SYMPTOMS –The body stops sweating –Red hot skin, dry –Change in consciousness –Rapid weak pulse –Shallow breathing

Progression of heat related injuries Progression of heat related injuries –*Heat cramps- Heat exhaustion- Heat stroke* Cramps- Exhaustion-Stroke Cramps- Exhaustion-Stroke

CARE Call EMS Call EMS Cool the body down slowly Cool the body down slowly –Cool water Ice pack on pressure points Ice pack on pressure points

CARE For all three heat conditions: For all three heat conditions: Get the victim out of the heat. Get the victim out of the heat. Move the victim to a cool place. Move the victim to a cool place. Cool the victim with water. Cool the victim with water. Check and monitor ABCs. Check and monitor ABCs. Provide care for shock. Provide care for shock.

Hypothermia  The body looses it ability to keep warm and the entire body gets cool.

Care for Hypothermia  Check for life threatening conditions  Call EMS  Remove wet clothing  Place the victim in dry blanket or cloths  Move victim to a warm place  Apply hot water bottles or heat packs over the blanket or towel  Give a conscious victim warm liquids to drink.

Frostbite  The actual freezing of body tissues. Body cells are damaged or destroyed when fluid in and between the cells freezes and swells  Two types Superficial Superficial Deep Deep

Signs and symptoms  Skin cold to the touch  Discolored skin (yellow, white, or blue)  Skin appears waxy  Lack of feeling in the area

Frostbite

*Care for Frostbite  Handle the affected area carefully  Do not rub the area* (for frostbite)*  Warm the affected area in water that is about degrees F  Do not let the affected part touch the bottom or sides of the container holding the water

Care  Once the affected area feels warm and appears red, remove from water and bandage loosely  If the affected area is the hands or toes place sterile pads between the fingers or toes  Seek medical attention