Environmental Emergencies - Cold

Question 1

A primary symptom of cold emergencies is ______.

Answer 1

Change is consciousness

Question 2

What is an important first step in the cold emergency assessment?

Answer 2

Warm the patient

Question 3

Of the following, (Water/air), which conducts heat more quickly?

Answer 3

Water

Question 4

What is the limit for mild hypothermia?

Answer 4

T < 95*F

Question 5

What is the limit for moderate hypothermia?

Answer 5

T 82-90*F

Question 6

What is the limit for severe hypothermia?

Answer 6

T < 82*F

Question 7

What are the s/s of mild hypothermia?

Answer 7

Shivering - for heat generation
Loss of fine motor control
Vasoconstriction in extremities

Question 8

What are the s/s of moderate hypothermia?

Answer 8

Slurred speech
AMS
Irrational behavior (removing clothing)

Question 9

What are the s/s of mild hypothermia?

Answer 9

Fetal position
Skin pale
Decreased pulse/RR
Shivering stops
Dilated pupils

Question 10

What are the s/s of “end-stage” hypothermia?

Answer 10

Erratic breathing
Dysrhtyhmias/VF

Question 11

What are the s/s of “frost nip?”

Answer 11

White and waxy
Hard and rubbery on top layer
Numb

• gently rewarm

Question 12

What are the s/s of “frost bite?”

Answer 12

Freezing of deeper tissue
White skin, wooden feeling