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Hot & Cold Weather

Injuries and Emergencies

Authored by John W. Desmarais 18-May-1999Updated by 09-Jul-2008

Modified by Lt Colonel Fred BlundellTX-129th Fort Worth Senior Squadron For Local Training Rev 5.0 02-Jan-2014

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This Training Slide Show is a project undertaken by Lt Colonel Fred Blundell of the TX-129 Fort Worth Senior Squadron, Fort Worth, TX for local use to assist those CAP Members interested in advancing their skills. The information contained herein is for CAP Member’s personal use and is not intended to replace or be a substitute for

any of the CAP National Training Programs. Users should review the presentation’s Revision Number at the end of each file name to

ensure that they have the most current publication.

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The HOT

Hot Weather Injuries

• Heat Cramps• Heat Exhaustion• Heat Stroke

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Heat Cramps

• Symptoms– Severe muscle cramps– General Weakness– Dizziness and fainting

• Treatment– Move to a cool shady place– Electrolyte drinks– Massage the cramped area– Apply moist towels to the

cramped muscle and the patient’s forehead

– Transport the person to a medical care facility if symptoms worsen

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Heat Exhaustion

• Symptoms– Rapid and shallow

breathing– Weak pulse– Cold and clammy skin– Heavy perspiration– Weakness and dizziness

• Treatment– Move to a cool shady

place– Remove enough

clothing to cool the patient

– Fan the patient’s skin to promote sweat evaporation

– If conscious provide electrolyte drinks

– Treat for shock and transport to a medical care facility

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Heat Stroke

• Symptoms– Deep breathing

becoming progressively more shallow

– Rapid strong pulse becoming weaker

– Dry and hot skin– Unconsciousness,

seizures, and muscular twitching

– Dilated pupils

• Treatment– Remove the person

from any heat sources and remove clothing

– Immerse the patient in cool water, or use cold wet towels or ice packs on the patient’s armpits, groin, under the neck, and behind the knees

– Treat for shock and transport the patient to a medical care facility

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Heat StressPrevention

• Drink plenty of water per day– 2 quarts minimum on mild days– 6 to 8 quarts on hot days or 1 quart an

hour– Frequent sipping is better than guzzling• Monitor the color of your urine

• Wear loose fitting and open clothing• Do not overexert yourself• Use the buddy system• Don’t be afraid to stop, rest and drink

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The COLD

Cold Weather Injuries

• Frostbite– Early stage– Later stage

• Hypothermia– Early stage– Later stage

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Early Stage Frostbite

• Symptoms– Skin turns from red to

white and waxy– Numbness in the

affected area

• Treatment– Warm the affected area

using body heat– DO NOT massage a

frostbitten body part

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Later Stage Frostbite

• Symptoms– Skin turns mottled or

blotchy, then yellow, and finally greyish-blue

• Treatment– Transport the patient to

a medical care facility immediately

– DO NOT massage a frostbitten body part

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Early StageHypothermia

• Symptoms– Uncontrollable shivering– Numbness

It does not have to be freezing out for hypothermia to happen!

• Treatment– Keep the patient warm

and dry– Remove wet clothing– Warm the central body

before the extremities to keep blood from flowing away from the major organs

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Later StageHypothermia

• Symptoms– Drowsiness– Inability to perform

simple actions– Slow pulse and

breathing rate– Failing eyesight and a

“glassy stare”– Unconsciousness

• Treatment– All treatment steps

for early hypothermia

– Handle the patient gently and place in a head-down position

– Transport the patient to medical care immediately

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Cold InjuryPrevention

• Cover all extremities by using gloves, wool socks, knits hats, etc.

• Dress in layers

• Choose clothing that will trap air pockets yet allow moisture to pass through

• Avoid getting wet

• Change clothing when it is wet or dirty

• Identify personnel with a history of cold weather injuries, and watch them carefully

• Use the buddy system

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QUESTIONS?

ALWAYS THINK SAFETY!