Heat and Cold Heat and Cold EmergenciesEmergencies*Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, *Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion,

Heat Stroke*Heat Stroke*FrostbiteFrostbite

Heat Cramps-Heat Cramps-painful muscle painful muscle spasms that usually occur in the legs spasms that usually occur in the legs

and abdomen due to lose of fluidsand abdomen due to lose of fluids

CARECARE– Have the person rest in a cool areaHave the person rest in a cool area– Lightly stretch cramping musclesLightly stretch cramping muscles– Give them a cool drinkGive them a cool drink

(Less severe than Heat Exhaustion or (Less severe than Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke)Heat Stroke)

Heat Exhaustion- Heat Exhaustion- typically typically occurs after long periods of strenuous occurs after long periods of strenuous work outdoors in a hot environment.work outdoors in a hot environment.

The body’s cooling system is being The body’s cooling system is being overwhelmed.overwhelmed.

*CARE*CARE– Rest in a cool place Rest in a cool place – Give the person cool waterGive the person cool water

If the condition worsens callIf the condition worsens call EMSEMS

Heat Stroke-Heat Stroke-Most severe heat Most severe heat illness (the body is overwhelmed illness (the body is overwhelmed by its high temperature so it fails by its high temperature so it fails

to function)to function) SIGNS & SYMPTOMSSIGNS & SYMPTOMS

– The body stops sweatingThe body stops sweating– Red hot skin, dryRed hot skin, dry– Change in consciousnessChange in consciousness– Rapid weak pulseRapid weak pulse– Shallow breathingShallow breathing

Progression of heat related injuriesProgression of heat related injuries– *Heat cramps- Heat exhaustion- Heat *Heat cramps- Heat exhaustion- Heat

stroke*stroke*

CCramps- ramps- EExhaustion-xhaustion-SStroketroke

CARECARE Call EMSCall EMS Cool the body down slowlyCool the body down slowly

– Cool waterCool water Ice pack on pressure pointsIce pack on pressure points

CARECARE For all three heat conditions:For all three heat conditions:

Get the victim out of the heat.Get the victim out of the heat. Move the victim to a cool place.Move the victim to a cool place. Cool the victim with water.Cool the victim with water. Check and monitor ABCs.Check and monitor ABCs. Provide care for shock.Provide care for shock.

HypothermiaHypothermia

The body looses it ability to keep warm The body looses it ability to keep warm and the entire body gets cool.and the entire body gets cool.

Care for HypothermiaCare for Hypothermia Check for life threatening conditionsCheck for life threatening conditions Call EMSCall EMS Remove wet clothingRemove wet clothing Place the victim in dry blanket or clothsPlace the victim in dry blanket or cloths Move victim to a warm placeMove victim to a warm place Apply hot water bottles or heat packs over the Apply hot water bottles or heat packs over the

blanket or towel blanket or towel Give a conscious victim warm liquids to drink.Give a conscious victim warm liquids to drink.

FrostbiteFrostbite

The actual freezing of body tissues. Body The actual freezing of body tissues. Body cells are damaged or destroyed when fluid cells are damaged or destroyed when fluid in and between the cells freezes and in and between the cells freezes and swellsswells

Two typesTwo types SuperficialSuperficial DeepDeep

Signs and symptomsSigns and symptoms

Skin cold to the touchSkin cold to the touch Discolored skin (Discolored skin (yellowyellow, white, or , white, or blueblue)) Skin appears waxySkin appears waxy Lack of feeling in the areaLack of feeling in the area

FrostbiteFrostbite

*Care for *Care for FrostbiteFrostbite

Handle the affected area carefullyHandle the affected area carefully Do not rub the area* (for frostbite)*Do not rub the area* (for frostbite)* Warm the affected area in water that is Warm the affected area in water that is

about 100-105 degrees F about 100-105 degrees F Do not let the affected part touch the Do not let the affected part touch the

bottom or sides of the container holding bottom or sides of the container holding the waterthe water

CareCare

Once the affected area feels warm and Once the affected area feels warm and appears red, remove from water and appears red, remove from water and bandage looselybandage loosely

If the affected area is the hands or toes If the affected area is the hands or toes place sterile pads between the fingers or place sterile pads between the fingers or toestoes

Seek medical attentionSeek medical attention