chapter 19: heat- and cold-related emergencies. 292 american red cross first aid–responding to...
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Chapter 19: Heat- and Cold-Related Emergencies
AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITIONCopyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross
All rights reserved.2
Heat and Cold Illness
They following effects determine an individual’s susceptibility:
Humidity
Wind
Clothing
Living and working environments
Physical activity
Age
Health
AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITIONCopyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross
All rights reserved.3
Factors Affecting Body Temperature Regulation
People more susceptible to a heat- or cold-related emergency include—
Those involved in strenuous activity in warm or cold environment.
Elderly people.
Young children.
Those who have predisposing health problems.
Those who have had a previous heat- or cold-related emergency in the past.
Those who have cardiovascular disease.
Those who take medications to eliminate water from the body (diuretics).
AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITIONCopyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross
All rights reserved.4
Heat-Related Emergencies
Conditions associated with overexposure to heat are— Heat cramps. Heat exhaustion.
Cool, moist, pale, ashen or flushed skin. Headache, nausea, dizziness. Weakness, exhaustion. Heavy sweating.
Heat stroke = life threatening. Red, hot, dry skin. Changes in level of consciousness. Vomiting.
AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITIONCopyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross
All rights reserved.5
Care for Heat-Related Illness Early stages can usually be reversed.
Cool the body.
Give fluids if the victim is conscious.
Take steps to minimize shock.
Late stages care—
Calling 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.
Cooling the body.
Monitoring breathing and consciousness.
Being prepared to give rescue breathing or CPR, if needed.
AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITIONCopyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross
All rights reserved.6
Cold-Related Emergencies
Frostbite
• The freezing of body tissues due to exposure.
Superficial frostbite
Deep frostbite
• Signals of frostbite include—
Lack of feeling in the affected area.
Skin that appears waxy.
Skin that is cold to the touch.
Skin that is discolored (flushed, white, yellow or blue).
Hypothermia • Body temperature below 95° F.• Signals of hypothermia include—
Shivering or no shivering. Numbness. Glassy stare. Apathy. Weakness. Impaired judgment.
In the case of severe hypothermia— Unconsciousness. Altered breathing. Muscle rigidity.
AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITIONCopyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross
All rights reserved.7
Care for Cold-Related Illness Care for frostbite—
Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. Attempt to remove jewelry or restrictive clothing. Handle the affected area gently; never rub the affected area. Re-warm affected area by submersing in luke warm water. Loosely bandage the area with a dry, sterile dressing.
Care for hypothermia— Check and care for life-threatening conditions. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. Carefully remove wet clothing and dry the victim. Get the victim out of the cold and warm the body gradually. If alert, give the victim warm nonalcoholic and decaffeinated
liquids. Monitor breathing and signs of circulation. Be prepared to give rescue breathing or CPR if necessary.