Heat and Cold Illnesses Flashcards
What is heat stress?
Body no longer maintains homeostasis and body temp begins to rise
How to avoid heat stress?
Be well hydrated and get good exercise
What is heat index?
Temperature + Humidity
Heat index activity guidelines:
Bright yellow: Normal practice/water breaks
Gold zone: unconditioned athletes no play, but water/breaks more
Orange zone: frequent water/rest breaks
Red zone: NO play!
General care (heat illnesses):
reduce body temp: (move to cool location, pour water over extremities)
Fanning victim
Immerse in cool water: (extremities first)
How to avoid heat illnesses?
prevention, being aware of environment, acclimation, proper hydration
what is Dehydration?
Lose more fluid then take in
dehydration symptoms:
light yellow urine, headache, fatigue, feelings of thirst, no urine output, rapid pulse, irritability
treatment for dehydration:
stop and rest, go into cool area, prop up feet, take off extra clothes, drink hydration drink, rest 24 hrs
What is sunburn?
overexposure to UV light from sun
treatment of sunburn:
cold washcloth, over-counter medication, aloe vera
prevention for sunburn:
use sunscreen
What is heat cramps?
rapid water and electrolyte loss
-occurs in calfs, hamstrings, quads, and abs
Treatment for heat cramps:
slow passive stretching with ice, immediate fluid replacement
What is heat syncope?
fainting
Symptoms of heat syncope:
lightheaded, dizziness, headache, nausea/vomiting
treatment for heat syncope:
drink fluids, stop activity immediately
What is heat exhaustion?
body has trouble dissipating heat
symptoms of heat exhaustion:
skin PALE, COOL, MOIST. dizziness, nausea/vomiting, weak/rapid pulse
treatment for heat exhaustion:
move to shade, fluid replacement, cool body, use ice towel
What is a heat stroke?
MOST SEVERE! Body heat regulation breaks down
Symptoms of heat stroke:
DRY, HOT SKIN. strong/rapid pulse, unconsciousness
treatment for heat stroke:
move to cool area, cool immediately (remove excess clothing), ice with towels/ice packs under groin/armpits, misting/fanning, Call 911
What is cold stress?
body works harder to maintain its temperature
5 ways to lose heat?
Respiration, evaporation, conduction, radiation, and convection
What is respiration?
Heat leaves body with every expiration
what is evaporation?
evaporation of perspiration/other moisture from skin causes body to lose heat
What is conduction?
body comes into direct contact with cooler object
- Heat goes to cooler object (ex: swimming in cool water)
What is radiation?
transfer of heat by infrared rays
What is convection?
heat near body surface removed by moving air
(ex: wind, cool breeze)
What is Wind Chill?
rate of heat loss on human body from both temp and wind
-near/below 0 degrees F risk frostbite
What is hypothermia?
Heat from body lost faster than can be replaced
Symptoms of hypothermia:
temp drops to 95 degrees, shivering, slurred speech, lack of coordination, memory loss, unconsciousness after 85 degrees, death around 78 degrees.
Treatment for hypothermia:
call 911, restore temp slowly (go indoors, remove wet clothing (trunk first not extremities), wrapping in blankets, DO NOT immerse in warm water, Begin CPR if necessary, give warm fluids
What is Frostbite?
skin tissue and blood vessels damaged from exposure to temps less than 32 degrees F
-affects toes, fingers, earlobes, chin, cheeks, and nose
3 Stages of frostbite?
Stage 1= frost nip: pins-needles sensation, skin turns white & soft
Stage 2= Superficial frostbite: may show blistering, skin numb/waxy frozen, ice crystal form from skin
Stage 3= Deep frostbite: freezing muscles/tendons/nerves/blood vessels/bone, leads to permanent damage, no feeling, no blistering, serious infection/loss of limb, medical attention asap.
treatment for frostbite:
emergency care provided. bring person indoors asap, apply warm water for 20 min, DO NOT use hot water/hold near water, warm fluids, keep areas raised.
