Heat Disorders

Can I cancel my HEAT ORDERS?

Headache, dizziness & confusion

Loss of appetite & nausea

Sweating with pale, clammy skin

Temperature – normal or slightly higher

Thirst

Muscle cramps (arms, legs or abdomen)

Increase and weakening of respiratory and heart rate

Heat exhausti

onSigns & Symptoms:

Provide cool environment. Lay flat, remove excess clothing & shade casualty from direct heat

Hydrate

Monitor vital signs & level of response

Call for ambulance if vital signs worsen

Treatment:

Headache, dizziness & discomfort

Altered mental status

Hot, flushed & dry skin

Rapid deterioration in level of response

Full, bounding pulse Temperature

>40 degrees celsius

Ataxia

Heat stroke

Signs & Symptoms:

Treatment:•Move casualty away from heat. Call ambulance.

•Provide cool environment-Lay casualty flat. Remove clothing.-Shade from direct heat-Wrap in cold, wet sheet. Keep sheet wet with water and fan.-Alternatively, sponge with cold water.-Apply cold compress to neck, armpits, trunk, abdomen & groins

Correct

WRONG!!!

• Monitor temperature-Monitor for possible hypothermia and rebound hypothermia-Document duration of temperature increase, how high it was & how long it took to cool the casualty-Once casualty’s temperature appears to have returned to normal, replace wet sheet with a dry one-Repeat cooling process if temperature rises again

•Monitor vital signs, including temperature & level of response

I scream anybody?

Anaphylactic shockAllergic reaction Release of histamine Widespread vasodilation

Signs & Symptoms: Rapid, shallow pulse Cool, clammy skin Delayed capillary refill Cyanosis

Treatment: Lay casualty down Ensure ABC Elevate legs unless contraindicated Keep casualty warm Monitor vital signs at least every 5 minutes

Spinal injury

Pain in the neck or back at the injury site Irregular or twist

in the normal curve of the spineTenderness

in the skin over the spine

Signs & Symptoms:When the vertebra (spine) is damaged

Loss of control over limbs

Loss of sensation, or abnormal sensation such as burning or tingling

Loss of bladder &/or bowel control

Breathing difficulty

When the spinal cord is damaged

Treatment: Reassure casualty and advice him not to move, especially his head Call for ambulance Stabilise the head & continue to support till EMS takes over DO NOT REMOVE HEAD SUPPORT Ensure ABC. Use jaw-thrust to open the air-way if required prepare to resuscitate if necessary Use log role technique to turn the casualty if required Monitor level of response

SeizureSigns & Symptoms:•Aura•Unexpected & unexplained collapse•Localised/ full body convulsion or temporary disconnection with the present•Postictal recovery phase

AHHHH!!!

Treatment:•Protect from harm, but do not restrain. Note duration & nature of seizure.•Do not place any object in mouth•Place on one side to maintain open airway during postictal recovery phrase.•Perform complete casualty assessment to check for other injuries.•Protect casualty’s dignity•Monitor vital signs Protect the

casualty’s DIGNITY!!!

Angina PectorisSigns & Symptoms: Chest discomfort or pain on exertion Breathlessness Sweating Nausea Pain lasting usually 3-5 mins Pain radiates to left arm

Treatments: Ensure ABC Loosen tight clothing Reassure casualty if conscious Ask casualty to take aspirin and GTN if prescribed Monitor LOC and vital signs at least every 5mins

DO NOT: Give GTN if LOC is decreasing

NO, NOT T

HIS!

YES, THIS ONE!

Signs & Symptoms:•Severe vice-like chest pain•Pain radiates to left arm•Shortness of breath•Nausea•Vomiting•Irregular pulse•Ashen skin*•Feeling of doom*•May occur at rest*•Not relieved by rest or GTN*

Treatment:•Call ambulance 995•Ensure ABC•Loosen tight clothing•Reassure casualty if conscious•Place casualty in most comfortable position – usually half-seating position•Monitor LOC and vital signs at least every 5 minutes•Prepare to resuscitate when necessary•Give medication, if any Literally…

.

THAT’S ALL FOLKS!!!