ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCIES

HEAT CRAMPS Result from depletion of fluid and electrolytes in exerted muscles Symptoms: pain in exerted muscles and thirst Care: rest in cool place, replacement of fluids with balanced solution

HEAT EXHAUSTION Major exertion in hot weather Peripheral vasodilation occurs to dissipate heat and fluids and electrolytes are lost through profuse sweating Symptoms: Pale, ashen, sweating profusely, weakness, altered MS, hypotension, tachycardia, severe thirst Care: cool environment, monitor for dysrhythmias

HEAT STROKE Medical Emergency Patient is not able to dissipate heat because of failure of thermoregulation mechanisms Core temp is greater than 106 Symptoms: confusion to coma, skin hot and dry, hypotensive, tachycardia Care: stabilization of ABC’s with rapid cooling, IVF and electrolyte replacement

FROST BITE Formation of ice crystals in the tissue Initial response is vasoconstriction with stasis Decreased blood flow leading to sludging and thrombosis Symptoms: pale to blue to mottle skin, edema, blisters, or anesthesia if severe Care: Maintain ABC’s, obtain core temperature, begin rewarming, analgesics, antibiotics, tetanus

HYPOTHERMIA Defined as core body temperature of less than 95 degrees Symptoms: temp less than 95, hypoventilation, hypotension, altered mental status, pale cyanotic skin, absence of reflexes Care: Maintain ABC’s, rewarm patient, administer warm IVF, heated, humidified oxygen, monitor

SUBMERSION INJURIES Person becomes hypoxic from submersion in a substance Initial breath holding, hyperventilation, aspiration, hypoxia, pulmonary injury then brain death Symptoms: cool, clammy or cyanotic skin, gastric distention, LOC Care: Maintain ABC’s, oxygen, IVF, rewarming, NG