Environmental FactorsEnvironmental Factors

Mrs. Marr

LIGHTNINGLIGHTNING SAFETYSAFETY

Lightning FactsLightning Facts• Lightning may be the most frequent severe storm hazard endangering physical active people each year.

• Three quarters of all lightning casualties occur between May and September.

• Nearly four fifths of all lightning casualties occur between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM, which coincides with the hours for most athletic events.

• Prevention and education are the keys to lightning safety.

• Establish a chain of command that identifies who is to make the call to remove individuals from the field.

• Name a designated weather watcher (A person who actively looks for signs of threatening weather and notifies the chain of command)

• Have a means of monitoring local weather.

• Designate a safe shelter.

• Use the Flash-to-Bang count to determine when to go to safety. By the time the flash-to-bang count approaches thirty seconds all individuals should be already inside a safe structure.

• Once activities have been suspended, wait at least 30 minutes following the last sound of thunder or lightning flash prior to resuming activity.

• Avoid being the highest point in an open field, in contact with, or proximity to the highest point , as well as being on open water. Do Not take shelter under or near trees, flagpoles, or light poles.

• A safe location is any substantial, frequently inhabited building. The building should have four solid walls (not a dug out), electrical and telephone wiring, as well as plumbing, all of which aid in grounding a structure

• The secondary choice for a safer location from the lightning hazard is a fully enclosed vehicle with a metal roof and the windows completely closed. It is important to not touch any part of the metal framework of the vehicle while inside it during ongoing thunderstorms.

• It is not safe to shower, bathe, or talk on landline phones while inside of a safe shelter during thunderstorms (cell phones are ok)

To use the flash-to-bang method, begin counting when sighting a lightning flash. Counting is stopped when the associated bang (thunder) is heard. Divide this count by five to determine the distance to the lightning flash (in miles). For example, a flash-to-bang count of thirty seconds equates to a distance of six miles. Lightning has struck from as far away as 10 miles from the storm center.

30sec/5 = 6 miles

• Assume the lightning safe position (crouched on the ground weight on the balls of the feet, feet together, head lowered, and ears covered) for individuals who feel their hair stand on end, skin tingle, or hear “crackling” noises. Do Not lie flat on the ground.

• Observe the following basic first aid procedures in managing victims of a lightning strike:

- Activate local EMS.

- Lightning victims do not “carry a charge” and are safe to touch.

- If necessary, move the victim with care to a safer location.

- Evaluate airway, breathing, and circulation, and begin CPR if necessary.

- Evaluate and treat for hypothermia, shock, fractures, and/or burns.

10. All individuals have the right to leave an athletic site in order to seek a safe structure if the person feels in danger of impending lightning activity, without fear of repercussions or penalty from anyone.

- A “Bolt from the Blue” is a cloud to ground lightning flash which typically comes out of the back side of the thunderstorm cloud, and then angles down and strikes the ground.

- This is why it is still dangerous to be outside when thunderstorms are in the region, the lightning can, and does strike many miles away from the thunderstorm cloud itself. That is why it is a good idea to wait 30 minutes or more after the rain ends before resuming outdoor activities.

- As a general guideline you should follow the 30/30 rule.

• Make sure your students/athletes are in a safe shelter by the time the flash-to-bang reaches 30 seconds.

• Remain in a safe shelter for 30 minutes after the last lightning strike or sound of thunder.

Advanced warning of the hazard

Make decision to suspend activities and notify people

Move to a safe location

Reassess the hazard

Inform people to resume activities

If you can hear it fear it.

If you can see it flee it.

OzoneOzone

What’s the BIG deal about What’s the BIG deal about such a small molecule?such a small molecule?

What is Ozone?What is Ozone? • Ozone is a gas that is formed in the

atmosphere when three atoms of oxygen combine. Naturally occurring ozone is found high in the stratosphere surrounding the earth and in ground-level ambient air.

• Stratospheric ozone forms high in the atmosphere when intense sunlight causes oxygen molecules (O2) to break up and re-form as ozone molecules (O3).

• Ozone can be "good" or "bad" for your health and the environment, depending on its location in the atmosphere.

Ozone (O3) is an unstable and reactive molecule (gas) composed of 3 molecules of oxygen connected loosely together.

Ozone can be "good" or "bad" for your health and the environment, depending on its location in the atmosphere.

Stratospheric ozone,”good” ozone, protects earth from harmful ultraviolet light.

Stratospheric ozone forms high in the atmosphere when intense sunlight causes oxygen molecules (O2) to break up and re-form as ozone molecules (O3).

Tropospheric ozone, “bad” or low level ozone, is a form of pollution and a health hazard.

Highest levels of ozone are found in urban and suburban areas during warm months, usually April through October.

Ozone amounts are highest in the afternoon and early evening and dissipates in the cooler evenings.

Ozone Defined

What’s the What’s the difference difference between between “good” “good”

and and ““bad” bad” ozone?ozone?

““Good” OzoneGood” OzoneThe stratospheric ozone layer extends upward from The stratospheric ozone layer extends upward from

about 6 to 30 miles and protects life on Earth about 6 to 30 miles and protects life on Earth from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Popularly called "good ozone," it shields people, Popularly called "good ozone," it shields people, trees, crops, property, and microorganisms from trees, crops, property, and microorganisms from the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet light.the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet light.

But this "good" ozone is gradually being destroyed But this "good" ozone is gradually being destroyed by by

man-made chemicals referred to as ozone-depletingman-made chemicals referred to as ozone-depleting substances (ODS), including chlorofluorocarbons substances (ODS), including chlorofluorocarbons

(CFCs), (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), halons, methyl hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), halons, methyl bromide, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl bromide, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl

chloroform.chloroform.

““BadBad” ” OzoneOzoneGround-level or "bad" ozone is Ground-level or "bad" ozone is not not emitted directly emitted directly

into the air, but is created by chemical reactions into the air, but is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of

sunlight. sunlight. Emissions from industrial facilities and electric Emissions from industrial facilities and electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors, utilities, motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors,

and chemical solvents are some of the major and chemical solvents are some of the major sources of NOx and VOC. sources of NOx and VOC.

The concentration of ozone in the air is determined The concentration of ozone in the air is determined not only by the amounts of ozone precursor not only by the amounts of ozone precursor chemicals, but also by weather and climate chemicals, but also by weather and climate

factors. factors. Intense sunlight, warm temperatures, stagnant high Intense sunlight, warm temperatures, stagnant high

pressure weather systems, and low wind speeds pressure weather systems, and low wind speeds cause ozone to accumulate in harmful amounts. cause ozone to accumulate in harmful amounts.

The Ozone MakersThe Ozone Makers

A natural reaction of oxygen breaking down in the presence of sunlight

Air pollution from power and industrial plant emissions and automobile exhaust

Internal combustion engines (i.e.. Gasoline and diesel burning engines)

Chemical solvents

Ozone’sOzone’s Victims Victims

• Active childrenActive children• Active adultsActive adults• People with People with

compromised compromised circulatory systemscirculatory systems

• ““Responders”Responders”

Ozone and Your BodyOzone and Your Body Irritates the respiratory

system and aggravates chronic lung conditions.

Reduces the immune system’s ability to fight bacterial lung infections, such as pneumonia.

May cause cause permanent damage by decreasing lung function.

healthy lung air way (left)and an inflamed lung air way

(right).

Monitoring Monitoring OzoneOzoneAir Quality Index

Ozone Concentratio

n (ppm)

Index Values

Descriptors

Cautionary Statements for Ozone

0.0 to 0.064 0 to 50

Good None.

0.065 to 0.084

51 to 100

Moderate Unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.

0.085 to 0.104

101 to 150

Unhealthy for

Sensitive Groups

Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion

0.105 to 0.124

151 to 200

Unhealthy

Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion; everyone else, especially children, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

0.125 (8-hr) to 0.404 (1-

hr.)

201 to 300

Very Unhealth

y

Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should avoid all outdoor exertion; everyone else, especially children, should limit outdoor exertion.

Orange AlertOrange Alert• Students in sensitive group will Students in sensitive group will

curtail all outdoor activity.curtail all outdoor activity.• The sensitive group includes The sensitive group includes

students with respiratory or heart students with respiratory or heart conditions. Each campus nurse has conditions. Each campus nurse has developed a list of students in this developed a list of students in this group based on health card group based on health card information.information.

• Employees in sensitive group be Employees in sensitive group be mindful of alert.mindful of alert.

Red AlertRed Alert• Students in sensitive group will Students in sensitive group will

curtail all outdoor activity.curtail all outdoor activity.• Other students are to limit outdoor Other students are to limit outdoor

activity.activity.• Employees in sensitive group curtail Employees in sensitive group curtail

prolonged and strenuous outdoor prolonged and strenuous outdoor activity.activity.

Purple AlertPurple Alert•ALL ALL students are to curtail all students are to curtail all

outdoor activity regardless of outdoor activity regardless of duration. duration.

•ALL employees curtail all ALL employees curtail all strenuous outdoor activity and strenuous outdoor activity and limit as individually necessary, limit as individually necessary, other outdoor activity. other outdoor activity.

Why the concern?Why the concern?• Ozone pollution near the ground is the most wide-spread air Ozone pollution near the ground is the most wide-spread air

quality problem in the United States. The public in nearly 100 quality problem in the United States. The public in nearly 100 major cities is periodically exposed to harmful concentrations of major cities is periodically exposed to harmful concentrations of ozone. ozone.

• In Texas, four urban areas do not meet the federal standards for In Texas, four urban areas do not meet the federal standards for ozone. The Houston – Galveston area is #1 on that list. ozone. The Houston – Galveston area is #1 on that list.

• The biggest concern with high ozone concentrations is the The biggest concern with high ozone concentrations is the damage it causes to human health and vegetationdamage it causes to human health and vegetation

• High concentrations of ozone can cause: High concentrations of ozone can cause: shortness of breath shortness of breath coughing or wheezingcoughing or wheezingheadaches headaches nausea nausea throat and lung irritation throat and lung irritation

Heat Heat IllnessIllness

Heat-related Heat-related ProblemsProblems

•Also known as HyperHyperthermiathermia•“Hyperthermia” is an

exceptional rise in core body temperature– Body temperature is regulated by

the Hypothalamus gland– Normal body temperature is 98.6

Heat illnessHeat illness•Occurs when heat is

generated or gained faster than the body can dissipated it

•Although heat illnesses occur most often outdoors, it can happen indoors independent of measures taken to cool the building

Types of Heat IllnessTypes of Heat Illness•Syncope (Fainting)•Heat Cramps•Heat Exhaustion•Heat Stroke•Hyponatremia

Heat illness DOES NOT have to progress in this manner.

• Any one of the stages maybe skipped and progress to a more severe stage.

Causes of Heat Causes of Heat IllnessIllness

• Heart disease• Skin diseases• Neurologic

diseases• Recent illness,

fever, common cold, flu

• Endocrine disorders (i.e. diabetes)

• Medications – (Behavior Modification

meds, antihistamines, cyclic antidepressants, lithium)

• Dehydration and/or lack of nutrition

• Diuretics – sodas, high salt

foods, certain medications, alcohol

• Environmental conditions– Hot, humid, windless

• Lack of acclimatization

• Physical shape

Syncope (Fainting)Syncope (Fainting)• Occurs most often during the

first 5 days of acclimatization to sport/activity

• Seen if an athlete is involved in an activity for a period of time and then stops (i.e. a break in a drill)

• Due to a pooling of blood away from the heart and brain

Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

of Syncopeof Syncope• brief episode of fainting (LOC)

may be associated with • dizziness• Blurred or tunnel vision• pale or sweaty skin, • Decreased pulse rate but has a

normal core temperature• Lack of attention/concentration

Treatment of Treatment of SyncopeSyncope

•Stop activity – Move the athlete to a cool, shaded place

•Rehydrate/ replace lost fluids with sodium-containing fluids– IV fluids may be required

•Do not return to activity until all S/S resolve

•Monitor closely for reoccurrence or progression of heat illness

Heat CrampsHeat Cramps•An involuntary muscle contraction caused by dehydration and a loss of sodium (electrolyte imbalance) as a result of sweating.

Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms of Heat Crampsof Heat Cramps

•Mild to incapacitating muscle cramps of the lower leg, quadriceps, hamstrings, abdominal muscles, back muscles, or shoulders and arms

•Red, warm skin tone with sweating

Treatment of Heat Treatment of Heat CrampsCramps

• Stop activity – Move the athlete to a cool, shaded place

• Replace lost fluids with sodium-containingfluids– IV fluids may be required

• begin mild stretching with massage of the muscle spasm– Can also message with ice or a cool, wet cloth

• Do not return to activity until cramps are fully resolved.

• Monitor closely for reoccurrence of cramps or progression of heat illness

Heat Heat ExhaustionExhaustion

•The inability to continue exercise

•May be associated with any combination of – Heat Cramps– Heavy sweating– Dehydration– Sodium loss– Fatigue

Signs and Symptoms ofSigns and Symptoms of Heat ExhaustionHeat Exhaustion

PROFUSE SWEATING WITH COOL CLAMMY SKIN TONE• Signs of Heat Exhaustion may include

– Normal or body-core temperature– Excessive Sweating– Rapid, Weak Pulse– Decreased Blood Pressure– Skin Cold & Pale

• Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion may include – Fatigue & weakness– Dehydration– Dizziness /lightheadedness

• may include synoptic episodes– Nausea– Headache– Muscle Cramps– Shortness of Breath

Treatment of Treatment of Heat ExhaustionHeat Exhaustion

• Stop Activity• Remove the athlete to a cool or shaded

environment– cold towels to neck, underarms, and groin areas– Cold Immersion therapy / whirlpool

• Start fluid replacement

• Monitor vital signs– heart rate, respiration rate, awareness) etc.

• Replace at least ½ of fluid lost during activity within 3-5 hours of activity, with the remaining ½ within 6-9 hours post-activity

Exertional Exertional HyponatremiaHyponatremia

•Hyponatremia is a condition that occurs when the level of sodium in your blood is abnormally low – The athlete may be dehydrated,

normally hydrated, or over-hydrated

•MEDICAL EMMERGENCY

Signs and Symptoms ofSigns and Symptoms of HyponatremiaHyponatremia

• Signs of Hyponatremia may include– Body-core temperature < 40°C (104°F) – Low blood-sodium level– Vomiting– Significant mental compromise – Altered consciousness– Extremity (hands and feet) swelling – Seizures

• Symptoms of Hyponatremia may include – Progressive headache

• Brain swelling causes most of the symptoms of Hyponatremia

– Fatigue & weakness– Nausea– Apathy

•MEDICAL EMMERGENCY– Immediately call EMS – An intravenous line should be placed to

administer medication as needed to increase sodium levels, induce diuresis, and control seizures

•An athlete with suspected Hyponatremia should not be administered fluids until aphysician is consulted

Treatment of Treatment of HyponatremiaHyponatremia

Heat StrokeHeat Stroke• A severe heat-related illness caused by a

prolonged exposure to high temperature and humidity and marked by the shutdown of the hypothalamus.– Secondary causes of heatstroke include severe

dehydration, excessive weight loss, obesity, or untreated heat exhaustion.

• Defined as having an elevated core temperature (greater than 104º) associated with the signs of organ system failure

•MEDICAL EMMERGENCY

Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms of Heat Strokeof Heat Stroke

• RED, HOT, DRY SKIN• NO SWEATING BECAUSE THE BODY IS

SEVERLY DEHYDRATED • High body-core temperature (>40C

[104F])• CNS changes

– dizziness, drowsiness, erratic or irrational behavior, confusion and disorientation, seizures, LOC, coma

• Rapid pulse (100 – 120 BPM)• Hypotension (Low blood pressure )• Hyperventilation (over breathing )• Tachycardia (100-120 bpm)• Vomiting• Hematuria (blood in urine)• Diarrhea

Treatment for Heat Treatment for Heat StrokeStroke

• ACTIVATE EMS IMMEDIATELYACTIVATE EMS IMMEDIATELY• Lower the body-core temperature as

quickly as possible. • The fastest way to decrease body temperature is to

remove clothes and equipment and immerse the body (trunk and extremities) into a pool or tub of cold water (approximately 1°C to 15°C [35°F to 59°F]).

• Aggressive cooling is the most critical factor in the treatment of exertional heat stroke. – aggressive first-aid cooling should be initiated on site aggressive first-aid cooling should be initiated on site

and continued during transport and at the hospital and continued during transport and at the hospital until the athlete is until the athlete is normothermicnormothermic ( (normal body normal body temperaturetemperature )

• Monitor vital signs – heart rate, respiration rate, awareness etc..

Return to activityReturn to activity•The return to full activity should be gradual and monitored by a LAT/ Medical Professional.

•After exertional heat stroke or exertional Hyponatremia, the athlete must be cleared by a physician before returning to athletic participation.

Weight LossWeight Loss• The goal should be to lose no more

than 2% to 3% of body weight during the practice session (due to sweat and urine losses) – Dehydration usually occurs with a weight loss of two

percent of body weight or more.

• Mandate a check of hydration status at weigh-in to ensure athletes are not dehydrated

• Weigh high-risk athletes – in high-risk conditions, weigh all athletes– before and after practice to estimate the amount

of body water lost during practice and to ensure a return to pre-practice weight

Preventative Preventative MeasuresMeasures

• Acclimate to the weather• Check humidity and temperature daily during

practice • Modify activity under high-risk conditions

– limit intensity and duration of activity – limit the amount of clothing and equipment worn

• Increase the number and length of Rest breaks/ Water breaks– 2-3 minute water break at least every half hour of practice

• Encourage proper Hydration & Nutrition– Drink early - By the time you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated. – Drink fluids after practice to replace fluid lost during practice– Eat properly– Get plenty of rest

• Identify individuals who are susceptible to heat illnesses (weigh ins)– In some athletes, the signs and symptoms of heat illnesses are not

evident before collapse

Hydration (Urine)Hydration (Urine)

Heat IndexHeat Index

•“Feels Like” temperature•The combined measurement of

air temperature and humidity.•Tools for measuring

temperature and humidity include:

•Thermometer•Sling Psychrometer

NOAA's National Weather NOAA's National Weather Service Heat Index heat Service Heat Index heat

chart chart

Heat stress risk Heat stress risk temperature and humidity temperature and humidity

graphgraph

Risk of heat exhaustion or Risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke while exercising in heat stroke while exercising in

hot environmentshot environments

Questions?Questions?