Environmental Illnesses Flashcards
What is Hyperthermia?
Increase in core body temperature stresses the body’s ability to maintain normal temperature, which is 98.6.
Types of heat generation
Convection
Conduction
Radiation
Metabolism
Heat is expelled through the body by _____. Heat loss is also impeded by ______ and _______.
Evaporation; Relative Humidity, equipment
Increased body temp will
affect function (neurological fnx, hand eye coordination) and activity
Heat Stroke
Body temp rises over 104 degrees.
Signs and Symptoms of heat stroke
headache, dizziness, rapid HR & breathing, >104 degrees core temp, red and dry skin, vomiting, decreased levels of consciousness
Management of heat stroke
call EMS immediately
begin immediate total body cool down of athlete, place cold towel on neck, monitor their vitals
Heat exhaustion
core body temp below 102 degrees, athlete is thirsty, fatigued, weight loss, slowed mental facilities.
Management of heat exhaustion
move to a cool place, remove any excess clothing, cold towels/ice bath, hydration (oral IV), EMS if athlete keeps getting worse.
Heat cramps are caused by
an imbalance between electrolytes and water (dehydration)
Management of heat cramps:
fluids, stretching, increased sodium, potassium, and calcium intake.
Exertional Hyponatremia, what is it?
High water levels and low sodium levels. A fluid/electrolyte imbalance that requires immediate medical attention.
Signs and symptoms of EH
Swelling in hands and feet Lethargic Vomiting Headache Nausea Deteriorating consciousness
How to prevent heat illness
Keep athlete hydrated and replace electrolytes, acclimatize to the harsh, hot weather conditions, weight records, monitor the heat index (with sling psychrometer)
What risk factors are associated with heat illnesses
Large muscle mass Overweight Equipment Old age/elderly Previous history
What is hypothermia?
Heat is removed from the body faster than it can produce it, core temperature decreases and falls below 95
Mild Hypothermia symptoms?
Shivering
Increased BP and HR
Feels cold
MGMT: rewarming
Moderate Hypothermia symptoms?
Drowsy and shivering ceases
Confusion
Slurred speech (drunk-like symptoms)
MGMT: EMS, rewarming, monitor vitals
Sever hypothermia symptoms?
Unconscious, slowed breathing
No pupil response
MGMT: EMS, long term rewarming, monitor vitals.
Temperature is all ______.
relative. (wind chill)
What is frost bite?
Crystallization of fluids in the skin and subcutaneous layer
ex: ears, cheeks, hands, feet
Levels of frostbite: first degree is:
frost nip.
blistering, tingling/burning, swelling
levels of frostbite: second degree:
cold skin
grey-white skin
decreased movement
blisters
levels of frostbite: third degree:
black skin
long term sensation of burning, throbbing
levels of frostbite: fourth degree:
loss of movement
dark skin
swelling
loss of digits
Management of frostbite:
NEVER rub the area and NEVER apply direct heat.
Remove any wet clothing and gentle rewarming (ONLY WHEN NO RISK OF RE-FREEZING).
What is acute mountain sickness?
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.
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema is when
fluid accumulates in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing, coughing, and increased HR.
Cerebral Edema
fluid buildup in the brain
Brain damage, neurological signs, hallucinations, adv. life support.
How long does it take for body to adjust to high-altitude?
2-3 weeks. The body will make more RBS. Increase amounts of blood which makes it easier on body.
What can a lightning strike cause?
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).
How to determine how far away lightning is?
Watch for a lightning strike and then count how many seconds it takes for thunder to sound. However long, divide by 5.
