Cold Injures Flashcards
When do body parts freeze?
When not enough heat is available to counteract cold
When does shivering stop?
When body temp is 85-90 degrees
What is the first sign of dangerous cold exposure?
When shivering stops
When will death from cold occur?
When core body temp is between 77-85 degrees
What does WCT stand for
Wind chill
What factors influence cold injures
Wind chill Insulation Exposed skin Pervious cold injures Dehydration Constructing garments Body type and amount of body fat Caloric/ alcohol/ caffeine intake Moisture-wet skin freezes at higher rate then dry skin
What are the 3 classifications of cold injures
Decreased core temp ( hypothermia)
Freezing injures of extremities
Non-freezing injures of extremities
What are the two most dangerous injures from cold temp
Frostbite
Hypothermia
What does frost Nip consist of
Mildest form of cold injury to skin Prior to frostbite Superficial, no permanent damage High wind and /or severe cold Apply firm pressure But do not rub
What parts of the body does frost nip involve
Ears, nose, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes
What does the skin look like from frost nip
Skin is very firm, white, waxy with cold painless areas that may peel or blister within 24-72 hours, top layer will feel rubbery and numb
What does chilblains consist of
Prolonged, constant and repeated exposure to cold
Inflammatory response to cold exposure
What does the skin look like from chilblains
Skin redness, tingling, may swell, itch, PAIN, peripheral circulation will be affected
When does chilblains occur
When footwear or clothing remains wet for long periods due to water exposure or sweat
Why does sweating make frostbite worse
B/c it increase tissue cooling
What does superficial frostbite involve
Only skin and subcutaneous tissue.
What does superficial frostbite look like
Skin hard, leathery, pale, cold/numb, may blister after rewarming
What happens during re-warming of superficial frostbite
Area will feel numb first and then sting and burn
What does deep frostbite consist of
Medical emergency due to tissue swelling
What does deep frostbite look like
Tissue blotchy, red, swollen, extremely painful, may be gangrenous
What’s the tx for deep frostbite
Immersion in water bath of 105-110 degrees
Do not use dry heat to rewarm b/c further tissue damage will occur
Area must be protected from movement and cold temp to begin healing
What is 1st degree of frostbite
Irritates the skin
What’s does 2nd degree of frostbite consist of
Blisters but has no major damage
What does 3rd degree frostbite consist of
Involves all layers of the skin and causes permanent tissue damage
What does IV stand for
Intravenous fluids
What is hypothermia
Respond to cold exposure that includes a significant drop in core body temp below 95 degrees
How does hypothermia occur
Prolonged exposure to cold, wet or windy conditions (cold/dry, cold/wet)
What are the 3 levels of hypothermia
Mild, moderate, severe
Body loses heat faster than?
It generates heat
What are the symptoms of hypothermia
Shivering- increases with exposure and can become violent and then stops
Cold sensation, goose bumps, numbness
Muscle stiffness, mental confusion, sluggish, slurred speech
Unconsciousness
What’s the TX for hypothermia
Get to warm, dry place
Add clothing & blankets
External heat sources but not water related
Can use a warm IV
Hot liquids/ food
What are the ways to prevent cold injures
Layered clothing (at least 3 layers) Cover your head Stay dry Cover your mouth Keep feet dry Stay hydrated
Are fluids as important in cold weather as it is in hot weather?
Yes
What does the internal layer consist of
Direct contact w/ skin and should wick away sweat
What does the middle layer consist of
Primary insulation; wool or fleece
What does the outer layer consist of
Venting abilities; mesh, zippers
What’s the percent of total heat loss if your head is exposed to cold
50%
What should you avoid in a cold environment
Alcohol because it dilates blood vessels and impairs judgement
What’s the difference between cold and heat acclimatization
Cold is more difficult to acquire
Cold varies from person to person
Cold develops more slowly
Has less preventive effect
What the definition of a cold injury
When exposed to cold, body attempts to increase interval heat production by increasing muscular activity (shivering) and by increasing metabolic rate which food is stored in the body is burned
