Hot and cold injuries Flashcards
What are the mechanisms of heat dissipation from the body?
Heat is dissipated through radiation, conduction, convection, and evaporation. Radiation transfers heat without direct contact, conduction transfers heat by direct contact, convection occurs when cooler air or water passes over the body, and evaporation of sweat is crucial for heat loss when temperatures are close to or above the body’s core temperature.
What causes heat cramps, and how are they managed?
Heat cramps result from salt imbalance due to profuse sweating during exertion without adequate salt replacement. Management involves fluid and salt replacement using oral rehydrating solutions, fruit juices, or saltwater solutions (1 teaspoon of salt per half liter). Alcohol and caffeine should be avoided.
What causes frostbite, and how is it managed in the field?
Frostbite results from tissue freezing due to cold exposure. Field management includes removing wet clothing, covering with dry blankets, avoiding rubbing, and gently rewarming the affected area using warm water (38-43°C). Transport to medical aid is essential for further evaluation.
What are the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, and how is it managed?
Signs include shallow respiration, rapid weak pulse, cool and clammy skin, sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and muscle cramps. Management includes moving the patient to a cool environment, loosening clothing, oral fluids (non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic), and monitoring for progression to heat stroke.
What distinguishes heat stroke from other heat-related illnesses, and how is it managed?
Heat stroke is characterized by a core body temperature above 41°C (106°F), hot dry skin without sweating, confusion, decreased consciousness, nausea, and seizures. Management involves rapid cooling using cold water immersion or wet towels, removing clothing, and urgent transport to medical aid.
What are the stages of hypothermia, and how is it diagnosed and managed?
Stages include mild (35-33°C), moderate (32-29°C), and severe (<28°C). Diagnosis involves measuring core temperature with a low-reading thermometer. Management includes preventing further heat loss, gentle handling to prevent cardiac arrest, and rewarming techniques such as warm blankets and careful external warming.
What are the classifications of burns based on depth?
Burns are classified into first-degree (superficial), second-degree (partial-thickness), and third-degree (full-thickness) burns.
Describe first-degree burns.
First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). They cause redness and pain, similar to mild sunburns, and typically heal within about a week.
Explain second-degree burns.
Second-degree burns can be partial-thickness (affecting epidermis and part of dermis) or full-thickness (affecting epidermis and most of dermis). They cause blistering, severe pain, and may require skin grafting if full-thickness.
Detail third-degree burns.
Third-degree burns damage the full thickness of the dermis and underlying tissues. They often appear charred, dry, and leathery. They are painless due to nerve damage.
How is the extent of burns estimated?
The Rule of Nines is used to estimate the percentage of body surface area burned: head and neck (9%), each arm (9%), anterior trunk (18%), posterior trunk (18%), each leg (18%), perineum (1%).
When should burns be considered for rapid transport to medical aid?
Burns requiring rapid transport include second-degree burns over more than 10% of the body surface, third-degree burns over more than 2% of the body surface, and burns involving the face, hands, feet, or genitalia.
What is the Priority Action Approach for managing serious burns?
The approach includes ensuring safety, removing the patient from the heat source, assessing airway and breathing, managing circulation and shock, and cooling the burn with water for up to 20 minutes.
How are minor burns treated?
Minor burns, such as first-degree burns or small partial-thickness second-degree burns, can be managed with cold water compresses, keeping the area clean, and covering with sterile dressings.
How are electrical burns managed differently?
Electrical burns may require scene safety measures, assessment for internal injuries, and cautious handling due to potential muscle spasms. Cardiac monitoring and rapid transport to medical aid are crucial.
What is the management for chemical burns?
Chemical burns require immediate flushing with copious amounts of water for at least 30 minutes. The chemical should be removed, and affected clothing should be taken off.
Describe tar burns
Tar burns result from contact with molten tar, causing adherence to the skin and continued burning until cooled. Immediate cooling with water is necessary to prevent further tissue damage.
How are tar burns managed?
Cool the burn with water for 10-15 minutes. Avoid prolonged cooling to prevent hypothermia. If necessary, apply mineral oil briefly to aid in tar removal, then cover with sterile dressings and seek medical attention.
Explain chemical burns.
Chemical burns result from contact with corrosive substances like acids or alkalis. Severity depends on the type, concentration, and duration of exposure. Immediate flushing with water is critical to remove the chemical.
What are the harmful effects of electrical burns?
Electrical burns can cause tissue damage, muscle spasms, respiratory or cardiac arrest, and internal injuries from heat generated within the body tissues along the current pathway.
How are electrical burns managed initially?
Management includes ensuring scene safety, assessing for airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs), and monitoring for cardiac issues. Rapid transport to medical aid is crucial due to the potential for internal injuries.
Describe electrical burns.
Electrical burns result from contact with electrical currents. They may cause visible burns at entry and exit points, but significant internal damage can occur due to the high heat generated by the current.
