1. Travel Training: Working Within Difficult Weather Conditions
November 16, 2016

2. Welcome & Introductions
Pam Canavan
Florida Travel Trainer
Tammie Moore
Wisconsin Travel Trainer
Use the chat function on WebEx or to ask questions!

3. Overview Training in difficult climates and weather systems
Medical conditions and medications that may be impacted by weather issues
Working with transit agencies’ closure policies
Tips are applicable any location at any time- southern states might take winter tips to heart not having much experience with them, and northern states with the heat

4. Hurdles of Cold Weather
Frost bite: the freezing of body tissue
decreased blood flow to extremities
comes in four stages, ranging from skin color change and itching to the loss of toes and fingers
Hypothermia: the decrease of body temperature
starts when body temperature drops to or below 95°
can lead to body systems shutting down

5. Hurdles of Cold Weather
Wind Chill Factor: the wind causes the temperature to feel colder
makes the actual temperature lower
may cause hypothermia and frost bite to set in faster
Snow
even a dusting can be dangerous
it is best to stay inside until sidewalks and roads are clear

6. Conditions Affected by the Cold
COPD
Diabetes
Cardiac complications
Individuals with spinal cord injuries
Autoimmune diseases
All types of arthritis
Asthma

7. Tips for Winter Travels
Schedule appointments for the afternoon
sidewalks may be clearer and the temperature warmer
Check for weather updates and any bus delays
Wear loose fitting, layered clothing
Be aware of ice on sidewalks
Knowing what could happen will help us prepare us so nothing will happen.
*Dress appropriately: Winter coat, warm hat, gloves, scarf, socks, boots. Snow pants if needed.
* Cover as much skin as possible if it is very cold and if there is a wind chill factor added in.
*Some don’t realize that you loose 90% of your body heat from your head.

8. Battling the Heat Heat exhaustion: occurs with extreme dehydration
causes a fever up to 104 degrees, nausea, fainting, etc.
Heat stroke: a medical emergency, occurs when heat exhaustion is left untreated
body temperature rises above 104 degrees
individual may enter an altered mental state
seizures are possible at this level
More heat exhaustion symptoms: cool/clammy skin, muscle aches (precursor to heat exhaustion may be heat cramps), heavy sweating, slow heartbeat, and dizziness

9. Treating Heat Exhaustion
If someone experiences heat exhaustion/stroke during training:
find the coolest location available
provide fluids- don’t be picky
cool trainee with cold water
On giving fluids: even soda will help (the hydrating properties outweigh its diuretic properties)

10. Preventing Dehydration
Drink plenty of water
Give trainees plenty of time to get to their bus stop
Stay in the shade as much as possible
Look for opportunities to step into local businesses

11. Conditions Affected by Heat
Previous heart attack /failure
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Menopause
Stroke/Parkinson’s/Alzheimer’s/Diabetes
Asthma
Individuals with spinal cord injuries
Some medical conditions can be made worse by extreme heat and humidity; others can lead to dehydration
Previous heart attack /failure can keep heart from pumping blood efficiently
High blood pressure can cause dizziness
High cholesterol can limit blood flow to skin
Menopause can cause hot flashes that can cause light-headedness and fainting
Stroke/Parkinson’s/Alzheimer’s/Diabetes can dull the brain’s response to thirst signals
Asthma can cause shortness of breath

12. Potentially Problematic Medications
Diuretics (water pills)
Antihistamines and antidepressants
Antibiotics /medications for acne
Anti-psychotics
Diuretics (water pills) can increase dehydration
Some antihistamines and antidepressants can block sweating and make it harder for the body to cool
Individuals taking antibiotics /medications for acne should not be out in the sun at all
Anti-psychotics can cause trouble with heat regulation

13. Lightning Safety When a thunderstorm approaches, seek shelter:
Lightning can strike from up to 10 miles away
54% of lightning strikes occur in a large, open space
Stay on a bus if you cannot exit safely
Without shelter: crouch down, grab your ankles, and tuck your head
It’s a myth that you “attract” lightning if you have a metal object (umbrella, golf club, etc.)
Stand under any object you can besides a tall, isolated one

14. Tips for Traveling in Warm Weather
Travel train early in the morning or after 4pm
If you train during the hotter parts of the day:
wear light colored, loose fitting clothes
wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
carry water and an umbrella

15. Transit Agency Closures
Transit agencies may close during inclement weather conditions:
Wind: 35mph or higher
Snow: mostly delays/detours
Flooding: closures occur rapidly; be aware of your agency’s policies

16. Pam Canavan pcanavan@mtm-inc.net Tammie Moore tjmoore@mtm-inc.net
Questions?
Pam Canavan
Tammie Moore