Hot & Cold Weather Injuries & Emergencies

1. Hot & Cold Weather Injuries & Emergencies Developed as part of the National Emergency Services Curriculum Project

2. Progression of Heat Injuries • Heat Cramps • Heat Exhaustion • Heat Stroke

3. Symptoms Severe muscle cramps General Weakness Dizziness and fainting Treatment Move to a cool shady place Electrolyte drinks Massage the cramped area Apply moist towels to the cramped muscle and the patient’s forehead Transport the person to a medical care facility if symptoms worsen Heat Cramps

4. Symptoms Rapid and shallow breathing Weak pulse Cold and clammy skin Heavy perspiration Weakness and dizziness Treatment Move to a cool shady place Remove enough clothing to cool the patient Fan the patient’s skin to promote sweat evaporation If conscious provide electrolyte drinks Treat for shock and transport to a medical care facility Heat Exhaustion

5. Symptoms Deep breathing becoming progressively more shallow Rapid strong pulse becoming weaker Dry and hot skin Unconsciousness, seizures, and muscular twitching Dilated pupils Treatment Remove the person from any heat sources and remove clothing Immerse the patient in cool water, or use cold wet towels or ice packs on the patient’s armpits, groin, under the neck, and behind the knees Treat for shock and transport the patient to a medical care facility Heat Stroke

6. Heat Stress Prevention • Drink plenty of water per day • 2 quarts minimum on mild days • 6 to 8 quarts on hot days or 1 quart an hour • Frequent sipping is better than guzzling • Monitor the color of your urine • Wear loose fitting and open clothing • Do not overexert yourself • Use the buddy system • Don’t be afraid to stop, rest and drink

7. Cold Weather Injuries • Frostbite • Early stage • Later stage • Hypothermia • Early stage • Later stage

8. Symptoms Skin turns from red to white and waxy Numbness in the affected area Treatment Warm the affected area using body heat DO NOT massage a frostbitten body part Early Stage Frostbite

9. Symptoms Skin turns mottled o blotchy, then yellow, and finally greyish-blue Treatment Transport the patient to a medical care facility immediately DO NOT massage a frostbitten body part Later Stage Frostbite

10. Symptoms Uncontrollable shivering Numbness Treatment Keep the patient warm and dry Remove wet clothing Warm the central body before the extremities to keep blood from flowing away from the major organs Early Stage Hypothermia

11. Symptoms Drowsiness Inability to perform simple actions Slow pulse and breathing rate Failing eyesight and a “glassy stare” Unconsciousness Treatment All treatment steps for early hypothermia Handle the patient gently and place in a head-down position Transport the patient to medical care immediately Later Stage Hypothermia

12. Cold Injury Prevention • Cover all extremities by using gloves, wool socks, knits hats, etc. • Dress in layers • Choose clothing that will trap air pockets yet allow moisture to pass through • Avoid getting wet • Change clothing when it is wet or dirty • Identify personnel with a history of cold weather injuries, and watch them carefully • Use the buddy system

13. Hot & Cold Weather Injuries Tasks • O-0003: Prevent and Treat Hot Weather Injuries • O-0004: Prevent and Treat Cold Weather Injuries

14. QUESTIONS?