Overexposure - Hyperthermia/Hypothermia

Question 1

What is the optimal core body temperature of a healthy individual?

Answer 1

36.5-37.5 degrees Celsius

Question 2

At what temperature will hypothermia set in?

Answer 2

35 degrees celcius

Question 3

What are the 3 stages hypothermia can be distinguished into?

Answer 3

Mild, moderate, severe

Question 4

Hypothermia Signs and Symptoms

Answer 4

• Numbness in the extremities
• Sluggish responses, drowsiness or lethargic
• Shivering
• Decreasing conscious state
• Rigid muscles
• Unconscious and no longer responding

Question 5

Hyperthermia vs Hypothermia

Answer 5

Hyperthermia is an abnormally high body temperature — or overheating. It’s the opposite of hypothermia, when your body is too cold.

Question 6

How can hypothermia be treated? (5)

Answer 6

• Remove 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.
• Call 000
• Do NOT APPLY DIRECT HEAT

Question 7

What are some steps to prevent Hypothermia?

Answer 7

• 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.
• Use gloves, scarves and socks, with spares to replace when wet.

Question 8

At what temperature does hyperthermia set in?

Answer 8

38 degrees celcius

Question 9

What causes heat exhaustion?

Answer 9

Dehydration - often due to fluid loss or excessive physical activity

Question 10

How can we prevent heat exhaustion?

Answer 10

 Drinking before exercise (even if you are not thirsty)
 Drinking during exercise — thirst is a late indicator of dehydration
 Avoiding exercise during the hottest part of the day (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
 Wearing loose-fitting clothes.

Question 11

What are some signs and symptoms of heat exhuastion?

Answer 11

 Headache.
 Body temperature more than 38 degrees Celsius.
 Muscle crampsc.
 Exhaustion and general weakness.
 Nausea and/or vomiting.
 Dizzy spells.
 Pale, cool, clammy skin at first, becoming flushed and red later.
 A rapid, weak pulse.

Question 12

Which is more serious - heat stroke or heat exhaustion?

Answer 12

Heat stroke

Question 13

What is heat stroke?

Answer 13

The complete breakdown of the body’s heat regulation system

Question 14

Ways to deal with heat stroke

Answer 14

 Call 000 for an ambulance immediately.
 Cool the person using wet towels or a wet sheet with a fan directed across the surface.
 If ice packs are available, wrap them in towels and place them around the neck groin and armpits.
 If shivering occurs reduce active cooling.
 Monitor the person continually.
 If unresponsive or not alert, place in the recovery position.
 Prepare to give CPR if necessary.

Question 15

Heat stroke signs and symptoms

Answer 15

 Typically, no longer sweating.
 Red, hot and dry skin.
 A body temperature more than 40°C.
 A rapid, strong pulse.
 Rapid, noisy breathing.
 Irrational or aggressive behaviour.
 Deterioration of the conscious state