Overexposure - Hypothermia, Hyperthermia, Dehydration, Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Question 1

What is hypothermia?

Answer 1

Hypothermia is a dangerous consequence of overexposure to the cold. If you are exposed to prolonged cold conditions you put yourself at a great risk of developing hypothermia.

Question 2

What range should your core body temperature range between?

Answer 2

The optimal core body temperature of a healthy person ranges from 36.5-37.5 degrees Celsius,

Question 3

At What core body temperature does the onset of hypothermia set in?

Answer 3

If the body drops below 35 degrees Celsius hypothermia will set in.

Question 4

Where does 1/3 of the body’s heat loss occur?

Answer 4

From your head

Question 5

Identify the 3 stages of hypothermia?

Answer 5

Hypothermia can be distinguished into three stages – mild, moderate or severe.

Question 6

Describe the signs and symptoms of hypothermia

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Describe how hypothermia be managed?

Answer 7

• 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.
• 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.

Question 8

Describe the preventative cautions you could take to help prevent the onset of hypothermia.

Answer 8

• 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 9

What is hyperthermia?

Answer 9

Hyperthermia is when your body is over heated and too hot

Question 10

What is heat exhaustion?

Answer 10

Heat exhaustion happens when someone becomes dehydrated due to fluid loss from a hot environment and/or excessive physical activity.

Question 11

What is heat stroke?

Answer 11

Heatstroke is a more serious form of heat exhaustion.
It is a complete breakdown of the body’s heat regulating mechanism. T
he body stops sweating and, as a result, the body’s temperature continues to rise.

Question 12

What is the most extreme level of heat overexposure and most life-threatening?

Answer 12

The most extreme level of heat overexposure and the mot life threatening is heat stroke.

Question 13

At what core body temperature does the onset of hyperthermia set in?

Answer 13

Hyperthermia sets in when your body temperature reaches 38℃.

Question 14

How much water should you be drinking per day? Calculate how much water you should drink for a 75kg male who completes 1 hour of vigorous physical activity per day.

Answer 14

(3 x 1L) + (1 x 1L) = 4L.

Question 15

How do you prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion?

Answer 15

• 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 16

What are the signs and symptoms of dehydration and heat exhaustion?

Answer 16

Dehydration and heat exhaustion signs and symptoms:
 Headache.
 Body temperature more than 38 degrees Celsius.
 Muscle cramps.
 Exhaustion and general weakness.
 Nausea and/or vomiting.
 Dizzy spells.
 Pale, cool, clammy

Question 17

How do you prevent heat stroke?

Answer 17

Heat Stroke can be prevented by:
 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 18

What are the signs and symptoms of heat stroke.

Answer 18

Heat Stroke signs and symptoms:
 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