Overexposure- Hyperthermia/Hypothermia Flashcards
Signs/Symptoms of Hypothermia
Numbness
Sluggish responses
Shivering
Decreasing Conscious State
Rigid muscles
Signs/symptoms of Hyperthermia (3 for Heat Stroke, 3 for Heat exhaustion)
Heat Stroke
- no longer sweating
- Red, Hot dry skin
- A rapid, strong pulse
Heat Exhaustion
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Muscle cramps
What can you do if someone has Hypothermia?
Remove the casualty to a warm, dry place.
place the casualty between blankets so that the temperature can rise gradually.
If conscious, give them a warm drink.
A companion stripped to underclothes and sharing the sleeping bag will help to warm the casualty.
Seek medical aid- Call 000.
Do Not- Apply direct heat.
What can you do to prevent Hyperthermia? (3 for Heat Stroke, 3 for Heat exhaustion)
Heat Stroke
- Cool the person down with wet towels
- Put ice packs under their armpits, groin and neck.
- Call 000 if it does not get better.
Heat Exhaustion
- Drinking before exercise
- Drinking during exercise
- Wear lose fitting clothes
Define heat exhaustion.
Heat exhaustion happens when someone becomes dehydrated due to fluid loss from a hot environment and/or excessive physical activity.
Define Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a more serious form of heat exhaustion. It is a complete breakdown of the body’s heat-regulating mechanism. The body stops sweating and, as a result, the body’s temperature continues to rise.
How to prevent Hypoglycemia?
- Checking the Weather Forecast
- Limiting the amount of time you spend outdoors in the cold
- Wear several layers of clothing to trap body heat, rather than just one bulky layer.
- Natural fibres like wool are better at holding heat.
- Use a weatherproof outer layer to stay dry.