Enviromental Emergencies

Question 1

The bodies main thermal regulatory center is located where?

Answer 1

Hypothalamus

Question 2

The thermogenic or heat generating tissues in the hypothalamus are controlled by which nervous system?

Answer 2

Sympathetic nervous system (the fight or flight)

Question 3

The thermolytic heat liberating tissues are controlled by which nervous system?

Answer 3

Parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest)

Question 4

How is heat in the body primarily generated?

Answer 4

Metabolism

Question 5

How is heat produced in the body?

Answer 5

• Basal Metabolic Rate
• Muscle Activity
• Thermogenesis
• Hormonal Influence
• Friction and Circulatory Flow

Question 6

What does thermolysis mean?

Answer 6

To lose heat

Question 7

What are the four ways thermolysis occurs?

Answer 7

Radiation, Conduction, Convection, Evaporation

Question 8

Define Radiation

Answer 8

The transfer of heat via electromagnetic waves and accounts are more than 65% of heat loss in a cooler setting. Heat loss through the head is especially notable. If the ambient temperature is high at about 20°C or more body heat will be gained. (naked person will lose 60% of body heat by radiation)

Question 9

Define Conduction

Answer 9

The transfer of heat from a hotter object to a cooler object by direct physical contact. Air is a poor conductor of heat and only contributes to about 2% of body heat loss whereas the ground is a good conductor, and water is the best conductor. For example, a person who falls into a cold lake will lose heat 25 times faster than a dry person exposed to air of the same temperature. Clothing soaked with rain, snow, or perspiration can be just as dangerous.

Question 10

Define Convection

Answer 10

Refers to the loss of heat that takes place when moving air picks up heat and carries it away. For example, we instinctively uses this principle when blowing on hot food to cool it down. Likewise, air, moving across the body service can pick up heat and carry it away. The faster the air is moving, the faster it can remove heat from the body. The windchill factor, which we usually see when listening to the weather channel measures the chilling effect of a given temperature at a given wind speed. For example, the chilling effect of a 1°C temperature with 58 km/h wind is -20°C, which is why it sometimes feels colder than it actually is.

Question 11

Evaporation

Answer 11

Sweating and heat dissipation by evaporation normally account for about 30% of cooling. Evaporation is the main mode of cooling in higher temperatures until a high humidity level slows the rate of evaporation.

Question 12

What three factors contribute to heat cramps?

Answer 12

Salt Depletion, Dehydration, Muscle Fatigue

Question 13

What is the treatment for heat cramps?

Answer 13

• Move to cool environment
• Not nauseated: Give Water
• Do not massage cramping muscles
• Electrolyte Intake- BHP
• When salt balance is restored, symptoms will decrease

Question 14

What is PCP Bolus?

Answer 14

lying someone down on the stretcher, this will increase intravascular volume and cause vasoconstriction

Question 15

What is Syncope

Answer 15

Another medical name for fainting

Question 16

What is pre-syncope?

Answer 16

Pre-syncope means someone feels like they’re going to pass out, but they don’t pass out.

Question 17

What are the symptoms of Heat Exhaustion?

Answer 17

• Headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes abdominal cramping.
• Usually sweating profusely, skin is pale and clammy
• Fast and shallow respirations
• Tachypnea symptoms of hyperventilation
• Decreased blood pressure
• If brown urine suspect rhabdomyolysis