Environmental Topics Flashcards
Symptom: muscle cramps. Tx?
Gentle stretching
Apply pressure
Ice
Benadryl at bedtime (to prevent nighttime cramps)
Could be a sign of dehydration, so
Give salted water (1 tsp/quart) or sports drink
and water
Indication that AMS is progressing to severe
Change in LOR
Ataxia
Shortness of breath at rest
Signs of HACE or HAPE
Signs of heat illness (moderate)
Heat exhaustion: Headache Nausea, dizziness, weakness Rapid pulse, low BP Thirst Sweating Goosebumps, chills, pale Normal or mod. raised temp
Treatment for moderate heat illness
Rest in shade
Cool (remove excess clothes, wet, wind)
Give fluids and salty snacks
Patient may continue if improvement
Signs of heat illness (extreme)
Heat stroke: *Change in LOR* Headache Drowsiness, irritability, unsteadiness Rapid pulse, low BP NOT sweating, hot skin Temp >106 F (41 C)
Treatment for extreme heat illness
Remove from heat immediately
Cool (remove excess clothes, wet, wind, cold packs)
Monitor temp
Evacuate (rapid if altered LOR)
Signs of black widow bite
Sharp pinprick sensation
No mark (faint red bite marks later)
Muscle stiffness, cramps - ascending from bitten limb to abs and thorax
Headache
Chills, fever, sweating, dizzy, nausea, vomiting
Severe abdominal pain
Signs of brown recluse bite
Bull's eye appearance Central white core, rings of red, white, or blue Local pain, then aching and itching Fever, weakness, vomiting Joint pain, rash
Lightning safety things to do
- Shelter in car, building (not tent)
- Squat on heels
- Stay in thick brush or low trees
- Stay 10 feet from rock walls
- Separate group (each 100 feet away)
- Avoid metal (pack, bike, radio)
Rabies: likely animals, Tx
Any animal bite is a rabies risk.
Bat, fox, raccoon, skunk
Clean wound with soap and disinfected water
Evac all animal bites
Which types of lightning strikes cause most injuries
Ground current (50-55%) Splash lightning (30-35%) Direct hits (3-5%)
