Environmental Factors

1. Environmental Factors Mrs. Marr

2. LIGHTNINGSAFETY

3. Lightning Facts • Lightning may be the most frequent severe storm hazard endangering physical active people each year. • Three quarters of all lightning casualties occur between May and September. • Nearly four fifths of all lightning casualties occur between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM, which coincides with the hours for most athletic events. • Prevention and education are the keys to lightning safety.

4. Establish a chain of command that identifies who is to make the call to remove individuals from the field. • Name a designated weather watcher (A person who actively looks for signs of threatening weather and notifies the chain of command) • Have a means of monitoring local weather. • Designate a safe shelter. • Use the Flash-to-Bang count to determine when to go to safety. By the time the flash-to-bang count approaches thirty seconds all individuals should be already inside a safe structure. • Once activities have been suspended, wait at least 30 minutes following the last sound of thunder or lightning flash prior to resuming activity. • Avoid being the highest point in an open field, in contact with, or proximity to the highest point , as well as being on open water. Do Not take shelter under or near trees, flagpoles, or light poles.

5. A safe location is any substantial, frequently inhabited building. The building should have four solid walls (not a dug out), electrical and telephone wiring, as well as plumbing, all of which aid in grounding a structure • The secondary choice for a safer location from the lightning hazard is a fully enclosed vehicle with a metal roof and the windows completely closed. It is important to not touch any part of the metal framework of the vehicle while inside it during ongoing thunderstorms. • It is not safe to shower, bathe, or talk on landline phones while inside of a safe shelter during thunderstorms (cell phones are ok)

6. To use the flash-to-bang method, begin counting when sighting a lightning flash. Counting is stopped when the associated bang (thunder) is heard. Divide this count by five to determine the distance to the lightning flash (in miles). For example, a flash-to-bang count of thirty seconds equates to a distance of six miles. Lightning has struck from as far away as 10 miles from the storm center. 30sec/5 = 6 miles

7. Assume the lightning safe position (crouched on the ground weight on the balls of the feet, feet together, head lowered, and ears covered) for individuals who feel their hair stand on end, skin tingle, or hear “crackling” noises. Do Not lie flat on the ground. • Observe the following basic first aid procedures in managing victims of a lightning strike: • - Activate local EMS. • - Lightning victims do not “carry a charge” and are safe to touch. • - If necessary, move the victim with care to a safer location. • - Evaluate airway, breathing, and circulation, and begin CPR if necessary. • - Evaluate and treat for hypothermia, shock, fractures, and/or burns. • 10. All individuals have the right to leave an athletic site in order to seek a safe structure if the person feels in danger of impending lightning activity, without fear of repercussions or penalty from anyone.

8. -A “Bolt from the Blue” is a cloud to ground lightning flash which typically comes out of the back side of the thunderstorm cloud, and then angles down and strikes the ground. -This is why it is still dangerous to be outside when thunderstorms are in the region, the lightning can, and does strike many miles away from the thunderstorm cloud itself. That is why it is a good idea to wait 30 minutes or more after the rain ends before resuming outdoor activities.

9. - As a general guideline you should follow the 30/30 rule. • Make sure your students/athletes are in a safe shelter by the time the flash-to-bang reaches 30 seconds. • Remain in a safe shelter for 30 minutes after the last lightning strike or sound of thunder.

10. Advanced warning of the hazard Make decision to suspend activities and notify people Flowchart Lightning Safety Move to a safe location Reassess the hazard Inform people to resume activities

11. If you can hear it fear it. If you can see it flee it.

13. Ozone What’s the BIG deal about such a small molecule?

14. What is Ozone? • Ozone is a gas that is formed in the atmosphere when three atoms of oxygen combine. Naturally occurring ozone is found high in the stratosphere surrounding the earth and in ground-level ambient air. • Stratospheric ozone forms high in the atmosphere when intense sunlight causes oxygen molecules (O2) to break up and re-form as ozone molecules (O3). • Ozone can be "good" or "bad" for your health and the environment, depending on its location in the atmosphere.

15. Ozone Defined Ozone (O3) is an unstable and reactive molecule (gas) composed of 3 molecules of oxygen connected loosely together. Ozone can be "good" or "bad" for your health and the environment, depending on its location in the atmosphere. Stratospheric ozone,”good” ozone, protects earth from harmful ultraviolet light. Stratospheric ozone forms high in the atmosphere when intense sunlight causes oxygen molecules (O2) to break up and re-form as ozone molecules (O3). Tropospheric ozone, “bad” or low level ozone, is a form of pollution and a health hazard. Highest levels of ozone are found in urban and suburban areas during warm months, usually April through October. Ozone amounts are highest in the afternoon and early evening and dissipates in the cooler evenings.

16. What’s the difference between “good” and “bad” ozone?

17. “Good” Ozone The stratospheric ozone layer extends upward from about 6 to 30 miles and protects life on Earth from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Popularly called "good ozone," it shields people, trees, crops, property, and microorganisms from the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet light. But this "good" ozone is gradually being destroyed by man-made chemicals referred to as ozone-depleting substances (ODS), including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), halons, methyl bromide, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform.

18. “Bad” Ozone Ground-level or "bad" ozone is not emitted directly into the air, but is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of sunlight. Emissions from industrial facilities and electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents are some of the major sources of NOx and VOC. The concentration of ozone in the air is determined not only by the amounts of ozone precursor chemicals, but also by weather and climate factors. Intense sunlight, warm temperatures, stagnant high pressure weather systems, and low wind speeds cause ozone to accumulate in harmful amounts.

19. The Ozone Makers • A natural reaction of oxygen breaking down in the presence of sunlight • Air pollution from power and industrial plant emissions and automobile exhaust • Internal combustion engines (i.e.. Gasoline and diesel burning engines) • Chemical solvents

20. Ozone’s Victims • Active children • Active adults • People with compromised circulatory systems • “Responders”

21. Ozone and Your Body • Irritates the respiratory system and aggravates chronic lung conditions. • Reduces the immune system’s ability to fight bacterial lung infections, such as pneumonia. • May cause cause permanent damage by decreasing lung function. healthy lung air way (left)and an inflamed lung air way (right).

22. Monitoring Ozone

23. Orange Alert • Students in sensitive group will curtail all outdoor activity. • The sensitive group includes students with respiratory or heart conditions. Each campus nurse has developed a list of students in this group based on health card information. • Employees in sensitive group be mindful of alert.

24. Red Alert • Students in sensitive group will curtail all outdoor activity. • Other students are to limit outdoor activity. • Employees in sensitive group curtail prolonged and strenuous outdoor activity.

25. Purple Alert • ALL students are to curtail all outdoor activity regardless of duration. • ALL employees curtail all strenuous outdoor activity and limit as individually necessary, other outdoor activity.

26. Why the concern? • Ozone pollution near the ground is the most wide-spread air quality problem in the United States. The public in nearly 100 major cities is periodically exposed to harmful concentrations of ozone. • In Texas, four urban areas do not meet the federal standards for ozone. The Houston – Galveston area is #1 on that list. • The biggest concern with high ozone concentrations is the damage it causes to human health and vegetation • High concentrations of ozone can cause: shortness of breath coughing or wheezing headaches nausea throat and lung irritation

27. Heat Illness

28. Heat-related Problems Also known as Hyperthermia “Hyperthermia” is an exceptional rise in core body temperature Body temperature is regulated by the Hypothalamus gland Normal body temperature is 98.6

29. Heat illness • Occurs when heat is generated or gained faster than the body can dissipated it • Although heat illnesses occur most often outdoors, it can happen indoors independent of measures taken to cool the building

30. Types of Heat Illness • Syncope (Fainting) • Heat Cramps • Heat Exhaustion • Heat Stroke • Hyponatremia Heat illness DOES NOT have to progress in this manner. • Any one of the stages maybe skipped and progress to a more severe stage.

31. Heart disease Skin diseases Neurologic diseases Recent illness, fever, common cold, flu Endocrine disorders (i.e. diabetes) Medications (Behavior Modification meds, antihistamines, cyclic antidepressants, lithium) Dehydration and/or lack of nutrition Diuretics sodas, high salt foods, certain medications, alcohol Environmental conditions Hot, humid, windless Lack of acclimatization Physical shape Causes of Heat Illness

32. Syncope (Fainting) • Occurs most often during the first 5 days of acclimatization to sport/activity • Seen if an athlete is involved in an activity for a period of time and then stops (i.e. a break in a drill) • Due to a pooling of blood away from the heart and brain

33. Signs and Symptoms of Syncope • brief episode of fainting (LOC)may be associated with • dizziness • Blurred or tunnel vision • pale or sweaty skin, • Decreased pulse rate but has a normal core temperature • Lack of attention/concentration

34. Treatment of Syncope • Stop activity • Move the athlete to a cool, shaded place • Rehydrate/ replace lost fluids with sodium-containing fluids • IV fluids may be required • Do not return to activity until all S/S resolve • Monitor closely for reoccurrence or progression of heat illness

35. Heat Cramps • An involuntary muscle contraction caused by dehydration and a loss of sodium (electrolyte imbalance) as a result of sweating.

36. Signs and Symptoms of Heat Cramps • Mild to incapacitating muscle cramps of the lower leg, quadriceps, hamstrings, abdominal muscles, back muscles, or shoulders and arms • Red, warm skin tone with sweating

37. Treatment of Heat Cramps • Stop activity • Move the athlete to a cool, shaded place • Replace lost fluids with sodium-containingfluids • IV fluids may be required • begin mild stretching with massage of the muscle spasm • Can also message with ice or a cool, wet cloth • Do not return to activity until cramps are fully resolved. • Monitor closely for reoccurrence of cramps or progression of heat illness

38. Heat Exhaustion • The inability to continue exercise • May be associated with any combination of • Heat Cramps • Heavy sweating • Dehydration • Sodium loss • Fatigue

39. Signs and Symptoms ofHeat Exhaustion PROFUSE SWEATING WITH COOL CLAMMY SKIN TONE • Signs of Heat Exhaustion may include • Normal or body-core temperature • Excessive Sweating • Rapid, Weak Pulse • Decreased Blood Pressure • Skin Cold & Pale • Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion may include • Fatigue & weakness • Dehydration • Dizziness /lightheadedness • may include synoptic episodes • Nausea • Headache • Muscle Cramps • Shortness of Breath

40. Treatment of Heat Exhaustion • Stop Activity • Remove the athlete to a cool or shaded environment • cold towels to neck, underarms, and groin areas • Cold Immersion therapy / whirlpool • Start fluid replacement • Monitor vital signs • heart rate, respiration rate, awareness) etc. • Replace at least ½ of fluid lost during activity within 3-5 hours of activity, with the remaining ½ within 6-9 hours post-activity

41. Exertional Hyponatremia • Hyponatremia is a condition that occurs when the level of sodium in your blood is abnormally low • The athlete may be dehydrated, normally hydrated, or over-hydrated • MEDICAL EMMERGENCY

42. Signs and Symptoms ofHyponatremia • Signs of Hyponatremia may include • Body-core temperature < 40°C (104°F) • Low blood-sodium level • Vomiting • Significant mental compromise • Altered consciousness • Extremity (hands and feet) swelling • Seizures • Symptoms of Hyponatremia may include • Progressive headache • Brain swelling causes most of the symptoms of Hyponatremia • Fatigue & weakness • Nausea • Apathy

43. Treatment of Hyponatremia • MEDICAL EMMERGENCY • Immediately call EMS • An intravenous line should be placed to administer medication as needed to increase sodium levels, induce diuresis, and control seizures • An athlete with suspected Hyponatremia should not be administered fluids until aphysician is consulted

44. Heat Stroke • A severe heat-related illness caused by a prolonged exposure to high temperature and humidity and marked by the shutdown of the hypothalamus. • Secondary causes of heatstroke include severe dehydration, excessive weight loss, obesity, or untreated heat exhaustion. • Defined as having an elevated core temperature (greater than 104º) associated with the signs of organ system failure • MEDICAL EMMERGENCY

45. Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke • RED, HOT, DRY SKIN • NO SWEATING BECAUSE THE BODY IS SEVERLY DEHYDRATED • High body-core temperature (>40C [104F]) • CNS changes • dizziness, drowsiness, erratic or irrational behavior, confusion and disorientation, seizures, LOC, coma • Rapid pulse (100 – 120 BPM) • Hypotension (Low blood pressure ) • Hyperventilation (over breathing ) • Tachycardia (100-120 bpm) • Vomiting • Hematuria (blood in urine) • Diarrhea

46. Treatment for Heat Stroke • ACTIVATE EMS IMMEDIATELY • Lower the body-core temperature as quickly as possible. • The fastest way to decrease body temperature is to remove clothes and equipment and immerse the body (trunk and extremities) into a pool or tub of cold water (approximately 1°C to 15°C [35°F to 59°F]). • Aggressive cooling is the most critical factor in the treatment of exertional heat stroke. • aggressive first-aid cooling should be initiated on site and continued during transport and at the hospital until the athlete is normothermic (normal body temperature ) • Monitor vital signs • heart rate, respiration rate, awareness etc..

47. Return to activity • The return to full activity should be gradual and monitored by a LAT/ Medical Professional. • After exertional heat stroke or exertional Hyponatremia, the athlete must be cleared by a physician before returning to athletic participation.

48. Weight Loss • The goal should be to lose no more than 2% to 3% of body weight during the practice session (due to sweat and urine losses) • Dehydration usually occurs with a weight loss of two percent of body weight or more. • Mandate a check of hydration status at weigh-in to ensure athletes are not dehydrated • Weigh high-risk athletes • in high-risk conditions, weigh all athletes • before and after practice to estimate the amount of body water lost during practice and to ensure a return to pre-practice weight

49. Preventative Measures • Acclimate to the weather • Check humidity and temperature daily during practice • Modify activity under high-risk conditions • limit intensity and duration of activity • limit the amount of clothing and equipment worn • Increase the number and length of Rest breaks/ Water breaks • 2-3 minute water break at least every half hour of practice • Encourage proper Hydration & Nutrition • Drink early - By the time you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated. • Drink fluids after practice to replace fluid lost during practice • Eat properly • Get plenty of rest • Identify individuals who are susceptible to heat illnesses (weigh ins) • In some athletes, the signs and symptoms of heat illnesses are not evident before collapse

50. Hydration (Urine)