Environmental Illnesses

Question 1

What is Hyperthermia?

Answer 1

Increase in core body temperature stresses the body’s ability to maintain normal temperature, which is 98.6.

Question 2

Types of heat generation

Answer 2

Convection
Conduction
Radiation
Metabolism

Question 3

Heat is expelled through the body by _____. Heat loss is also impeded by ______ and _______.

Answer 3

Evaporation; Relative Humidity, equipment

Question 4

Increased body temp will

Answer 4

affect function (neurological fnx, hand eye coordination) and activity

Question 5

Heat Stroke

Answer 5

Body temp rises over 104 degrees.

Question 6

Signs and Symptoms of heat stroke

Answer 6

headache, dizziness, rapid HR & breathing, >104 degrees core temp, red and dry skin, vomiting, decreased levels of consciousness

Question 7

Management of heat stroke

Answer 7

call EMS immediately

begin immediate total body cool down of athlete, place cold towel on neck, monitor their vitals

Question 8

Heat exhaustion

Answer 8

core body temp below 102 degrees, athlete is thirsty, fatigued, weight loss, slowed mental facilities.

Question 9

Management of heat exhaustion

Answer 9

move to a cool place, remove any excess clothing, cold towels/ice bath, hydration (oral IV), EMS if athlete keeps getting worse.

Question 10

Heat cramps are caused by

Answer 10

an imbalance between electrolytes and water (dehydration)

Question 11

Management of heat cramps:

Answer 11

fluids, stretching, increased sodium, potassium, and calcium intake.

Question 12

Exertional Hyponatremia, what is it?

Answer 12

High water levels and low sodium levels. A fluid/electrolyte imbalance that requires immediate medical attention.

Question 13

Signs and symptoms of EH

Answer 13

Swelling in hands and feet
Lethargic
Vomiting
Headache
Nausea 
Deteriorating consciousness

Question 14

How to prevent heat illness

Answer 14

Keep athlete hydrated and replace electrolytes, acclimatize to the harsh, hot weather conditions, weight records, monitor the heat index (with sling psychrometer)

Question 15

What risk factors are associated with heat illnesses

Answer 15

Large muscle mass
Overweight
Equipment
Old age/elderly
Previous history

Question 16

What is hypothermia?

Answer 16

Heat is removed from the body faster than it can produce it, core temperature decreases and falls below 95

Question 17

Mild Hypothermia symptoms?

Answer 17

Shivering
Increased BP and HR
Feels cold

MGMT: rewarming

Question 18

Moderate Hypothermia symptoms?

Answer 18

Drowsy and shivering ceases
Confusion
Slurred speech (drunk-like symptoms)

MGMT: EMS, rewarming, monitor vitals

Question 19

Sever hypothermia symptoms?

Answer 19

Unconscious, slowed breathing
No pupil response

MGMT: EMS, long term rewarming, monitor vitals.

Question 20

Temperature is all ______.

Answer 20

relative. (wind chill)

Question 21

What is frost bite?

Answer 21

Crystallization of fluids in the skin and subcutaneous layer

ex: ears, cheeks, hands, feet

Question 22

Levels of frostbite: first degree is:

Answer 22

frost nip.

blistering, tingling/burning, swelling

Question 23

levels of frostbite: second degree:

Answer 23

cold skin
grey-white skin
decreased movement
blisters

Question 24

levels of frostbite: third degree:

Answer 24

black skin

long term sensation of burning, throbbing

Question 25

levels of frostbite: fourth degree:

Answer 25

loss of movement
dark skin
swelling
loss of digits

Question 26

Management of frostbite:

Answer 26

NEVER rub the area and NEVER apply direct heat.

Remove any wet clothing and gentle rewarming (ONLY WHEN NO RISK OF RE-FREEZING).

Question 27

What is acute mountain sickness?

Answer 27

A feeling of fatigue, loss of breath, continued headaches, loss of appetite.
MGMT: rest/hydration
Only occurs at an altitude of 8,200 ft or higher.

Question 28

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema is when

Answer 28

fluid accumulates in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing, coughing, and increased HR.

Question 29

Cerebral Edema

Answer 29

fluid buildup in the brain

Brain damage, neurological signs, hallucinations, adv. life support.

Question 30

How long does it take for body to adjust to high-altitude?

Answer 30

2-3 weeks. The body will make more RBS. Increase amounts of blood which makes it easier on body.

Question 31

What can a lightning strike cause?

Answer 31

cardiac arrest/respiratory arrest.

May leave a Liktenberg Burn (electricity that travels thru body at an entrance point to the exit point. marks the body).

Question 32

How to determine how far away lightning is?

Answer 32

Watch for a lightning strike and then count how many seconds it takes for thunder to sound. However long, divide by 5.