Heat-Related Illness Standard

Question 1

What are the life/limb/function threats we should consider in this standard?

Answer 1

heat stroke

hypovolemic stroke

Question 2

Consider various heat related illnesses such as:

Answer 2

heat syncope
heat cramps
hear exhaustion
heat stroke

Question 3

What is in the secondary survey to assess in these patients? (5)

Answer 3

• CNS
• mouth for state of hydration
• skin for temp, colour, condition, state of hydration
• extremities for circulation, sensation, and movement
• temperature

Question 4

Where do you want to move your pt?

Answer 4

a cooler environment

Question 5

What do you want to do with the pts excess layers??

Answer 5

REMOVE THE HEAVY OR EXCESS LAYERS!!!!

Question 6

IF AVAILABLE- what could we give to the pt if they are CONCIOUS, cooperative and not vomiting or nauseated?

Answer 6

provide water or electrolyte- containing fluids in small quantities

Question 7

If working assessment indicates heat exhaustion:

Answer 7

move the pt to the ambulance
remove as much clothing as possible

Question 8

If working assessment indicated heat stroke:

Answer 8

provide patient care as per paragraph 6 above,

withhold oral fluids
cover the pt with wet sheets
apply cold packs to the axillae, groin, neck and head!!

Question 9

Monitor the patient to determine if cooling procedures should be discontinued, what are examples of cooling temp in a pt?

Answer 9

• skin temp is normal to touch
• generalized shivering develops
• the LOC normalizes