Chapter 19Heat and Cold Related

Emergencies

Body temperature• 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit

Body maintains this temperature by balancing heat loss with heat production

Hot environment-body dilates blood vessels to bring more blood to the surface so that heat can escape & sweating can cool down the body.

Body temperaturecontinued

• Cold environment-blood vessels constrict which moves warm blood to the center of the body conserving heat.

• The body will shiver in order to produce more heat.

3 factors affecting body temperature regulation

1. Air temperature

2. Humidity

3. Wind

3 Types of Heat Related Emergencies

1. Heat cramps-painful muscle spasms that occur without warning. This is due to a loss of fluid and salt from heavy sweating.

Treatment- stop activity, hydrate and stretch area where contractions are occurring.

Massage is also indicated.

2. Heat exhaustion- body is starting to become over heated. Severe sweating will occur where there is a great loss in fluid. The loss of fluid will result in a decrease in blood volume which will in turn not provide vital organs with an adequate blood supply.

Signs and symptoms-cool, moist pale skin. Nausea/vomiting,

weakness & severe sweating.

3. Heat Stroke

• The body’s cooling mechanism shuts down i.e.. Sweating stops and now the excessive heat will start to damage vital organs. Convulsions, coma and death will be the end result unless emergency care is given.

• Signs & Symptoms: red, hot, dry skin,changes in levels of consciousness &

vomiting.

Korey Stringer• 27 year olds• 6’4” 335 pounds• He practiced in 110

degrees in full pads and helmet

• Died at hospital after coming from training camp for the Minnesota Vikings

• His body temperature reached 108.8

Treatment

• Call 911 immediately!!!!!

Cold emergencies

• 1. Frostbite-the freezing of body

tissues due to long expose to extreme

cold weather.

What is really happening? The water in and between the body’s cells freezes & swells. Ice crystals form which can damage the cells.

Signs & Symptoms

• Decrease in Sensation

• Skin looks waxy, discolored (white, black, blue, & or yellow).

• Skin is cold to the touch

Care• Remove person from the cold• Take off wet clothing• Do not rub affected area Why?• SLOWLY PROGRESS FROM COLD

WATER TO COOL WATER TO -Soaking in warm water(100-103) until normal color returns.

• Bandage area with dry, sterile gauze-put extra gauze in between toes and fingers.

• Do not break blisters• Call 911

Hypothermia• The body temperature drops to 95 degrees

or less.

• Signs & Symptoms: shivering, numbness, glassy stare, changes in levels of consciousness, weakness and impaired judgment. Decrease in breathing, irregular heart rhythm and muscle stiffness.

Kim(male)

died trying to

get help for

family in Oregon

Treatment• Call 911

• Put person in warm place

• Monitor ABCs

• Remove wet clothing and replace with warm clothing.

• Wrap in blankets

• Put hot packs on main arteries.

• Do not warm person too quickly.

• Do not immerse in warm water.

Preventing Cold and Heat Related Emergencies

• Avoid being out in extreme temperatures.

• Dress appropriately

• Change activity level according to the temperatures.

• Take breaks frequently

• Drink lots of fluids (at least 6-8oz glasses)

Drink fluids that will help maintain your body temperature. I.e.. Cold=hot chocolate