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Climatic Injury The Prevention and Management of Heat Injury

JSP 539. Climatic Injury The Prevention and Management of Heat Injury. Outline of Presentation. What is Heat Injury? Signs and Symptoms Risks to the Armed Forces Individual Risk Factors Prevention Summary. What is Heat Injury?. Your body temperature should be around 37 o C

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Climatic Injury The Prevention and Management of Heat Injury

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  1. JSP 539 Climatic Injury The Prevention and Managementof Heat Injury

  2. Outline of Presentation • What is Heat Injury? • Signs and Symptoms • Risks to the Armed Forces • Individual Risk Factors • Prevention • Summary

  3. What is Heat Injury? • Your body temperature should be around 37oC • If the body produces more heat than it can get rid of, the core temperature will rise • Core temperature above 39oC = Heat Casualty • Collapses on exertion • Core temperature above 40oC = Heat Stroke • Emergency action needed, death can occur

  4. Signs and Symptoms • Thirst • Extreme tiredness • Agitation • Feeling sick or vomiting • Staggering or loss of co-ordination • Muscle cramps • Disturbed vision • Confusion • Collapse or loss of consciousness

  5. Risk Factors • Overweight • Lower physical fitness • Dehydration • Recent alcohol intake • Illness • Medication • Poor nutrition • Lack of sleep

  6. Exertional Heat Illness • Risk is increased for Service personnel due to: • High levels of physical activity • Training during high temperatures • Protective clothing e.g. Helmets, CBRN IPE

  7. How Do We Lose Heat?

  8. Treatment • STOP THE ACTIVITY, is anyone else at risk? • Lie casualty down in the shade • Immediately strip to underwear • If conscious: raise feet, give water, fan and sponge or spray with cool water • If unconscious: place in ¾ prone recovery position, fan and sponge or spray with cool water • Evacuate IMMEDIATELY for medical attention

  9. Prevention - Hydration • Check urine colour – Should be light in colour and plenty of it • Ensure you are hydrated prior to starting exercise / operations • Always carry a full water bottle • Avoid fizzy drinks and alcohol before and after operations/training • Drink regardless of weather conditions

  10. Summary • Heat injury can kill! • Know the early signs and symptoms • Replacement of fluids is very important • You can help yourself by: • Keeping fit • Eating well • Getting a good nights sleep • Be more aware when: • The weather is hot • Wearing protective clothing • When physically active

  11. Questions?

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