Heat + Cold Flashcards
normal body temp range
96.4-99.1 F
Which types of weather make thermal transfer less efficient for us
as ambient temp and humidity increase, the thermal transfer becomes less efficient
Heat + humidity runs the highest risk
what is temp homeostasis a balance of (and what happens when its lost)
heat dissapation=heat accumulatoon
when heat accumulation surpasses heat dissipation homeostasis is lost and hyperthermia occurs
what are the 5 common types of heat illness
- heat edema
- heat cramps
3 heat syncope - heat exhaustion
5 heat stroke
Wha is heat edema and who does it impact
mildest form of heat illness that occurs in those unacclimatized in extreme heat
Transient peripheral vasodilation complicated by orthostatic pooling of venous return
Symptoms of heat edema
- mild dependent edema in hands/feet
- normal vital signs
- may have concurrent symptoms of heat exhaustion
what are heat cramps and who does it occur to
during or after strenuous activity in unacclimatized ind in extreme heat
-attributed to excessive fluid/sodium loss via sweat and neg sodium balance
symptoms of heat cramps
acute mm spass
normal vital signs
may have concurrent symptoms of heat exhaustion
what is heat syncope and what is due to
typically associated w prolonged standing or with a sudden rise from seated/laying pos
-results from inadequate cardiac output and postural hypotension from prolonged dehydration
symptoms of heat syncope
- acute/sudden temp loc
- pts usually recover rapidly
- normal vital signs
- may have concurrent symptoms of heat exhaustion
what is mc heat related illness (+ temp range)
heat exhaustion
99.1-104
symptoms of heat exhaustion
- ha
- extreme weakness
- dizziness/vertigo
- heat sensations
- heat cramps
- chills
- vommiting/nausea
- irritability etc
what is a heat stroke and two major forms
condition in which body temp is elevated to a lvl that causes damage to a body tissues
-med emergency
- classical
- exertion
what is classical heat stroke, who does it happen to
caused by env exposure and results in core hyperthermia above 104
- primarily in elderly + chronic illness
- can develop slowly over several hours/days
What is exertionl induced heat stroke and who does it occur in usually
associated with hard exertion/exercise in hot/humid env resulting in core hyperthermia above 104
- primarily affects younger/active persons
- rapid onset
the dx of heat stroke is reliant on what two major factros
- hyperthemia (>104/40)
2. CNS dysfunction
predisposing factors to heat injury
- climate
- ex/ strenuous activity
- age
- pre existing illness
- certain drugs
- hydration status
7, skin disease - lack of acclimatization
- prev hx.
first aid for heat deema
- removal from hot env + cool
- address possibility of dehydration
- get pt recumbent and elevate legs
- prevent reoccurrence w gradual return to activity in hot env
heat cramps first aid
- remove from hot env and cool
- address dehydration and loss of electrolytes
- gentle stretching
- prevent reoccurrence w gradual return to activity in hot env
heat syncope first aid
- remove from hot env
- get pt in recovery pos
- initiate cooling
- address dehydration and loss of electron
- prevent reoccurrence w gradual return to hot
heat exhaustion first aid
removal from hot env
get in recovery pos
initiate cooling asap
adress dehydration and the loss of electos, monitor symtoms
prevent reoccurrence w proper hydration and gradual return to hot env
why is heat stroke serious serious
mortality rate and organ damage from heat stoke appear to be directly proportional to length of time bw core body temp elevation and initiation of cooling
- cool as fast as possible *
First aid for heat stroke
-monitor core temp/vitals
- cool
- aggressive cooling stopped when temps reach 101
- transport for advanced care
cooling methods for heat stroke
water immersion
wet towel application
cool air and water spray
ice packs to neck, axilla,groin
exposure to cold can cause the following emergencies (3)
- frost nip
- frost bite
- hypothermia
what is frost nip
a superficial injury caused by freezing of a small area (nose, cheek, fingers, toes)
frost nip s/s
- feels like skin is burning
- stings
- may go numb
- skin color flushed, then turns green as body realizes it is not able to warm body part (frostbite)
red=frost nip
grey-frost bite
tx of frost nip
prevention is key (warm clothes etc)
thawing out skin by applying steady pressure w hand (dont rub)
put cold areas in axilla/groin
frost bite s/s
waxy white appearance in injured area (not red)
flesh is hard and solid to touch
jts stiffen
no pain
frost bite tx
get to shelter dont rub warm w warm water/covering do not bend/straiten limbs till thaw after thaw encourage to move transport immediately
hypothermia def
a fall in core temp < or equal to 96.4 (35.7)
s.s of hypothermia
decreased coodination numbness in extremities feels cold/weary slurred speach etc etc
5 stages of hypothermia
- shivering
- apathy + decreased mm function
- decreased lvl of responsiveness
- decreased vital signs
- death
hypothermia tx
- move pt from cold env and prevent further heat loss
- handle pt gently
- monitor vitals
- if cardiac arrest do CPR
- actibey rewarm
