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Cold-Related Emergencies: Key Points

Cold-Related Emergencies: Key Points. Environment does not have to be extremely cold for a person to suffer a cold-related emergency, especially if the person is wet or if it is windy.

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Cold-Related Emergencies: Key Points

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  1. Cold-Related Emergencies:Key Points • Environment does not have to be extremely cold for a person to suffer a cold-related emergency, especially if the person is wet or if it is windy. • Young children are susceptible to cold-related emergencies b/c their body temperature regulating system is not fully developed. • The elderly can experience a cold-related emergency inside when exposed to lower temperatures over a period of time, as their temp. regulating mechanisms are sometimes impaired.

  2. Frostbite vs. Hypothermia • Frostbite: A condition when the body tissue freezes after being exposed to the cold environment. • Hypothermia: A condition when the entire body cools because the body’s ability to regulate temperature fails. The person may die if not given prompt medical care.

  3. Care for Hypothermia • Move person to warm place • Check ABC’s & care for shock • Remove wet clothing & cover with blankets • Monitor use of heating pads to avoid unintentional burns • Warm the person SLOWLY and handle person carefully.

  4. Care for Frostbite • Remove wet clothing and jewelry from affected area • Soak the frostbitten area in WARM water • Cover with dry, sterile dressings. DO NOT rub the frostbitten area • Check ABC’s and care for shock • DO NOT rewarm a frostbitten part if there is a danger of it refreezing

  5. Heat-Related Emergencies • What are some environmental conditions that could lead to a heat-relate emergency? • Doing strenuous activities outside on a hot day. • Working in a hot room with little air circulation, such as a kitchen. • Not drinking enough water while working in a warm environment. • Working in a building where the cooling system fails.

  6. Heat-Related Illness • Heat Cramps: Least severe and often the first signal that the body is having trouble with heat. • Heat Exhaustion: A more severe condition than heat cramps. Affects athletes, firefighters, those who wear heavy clothing in a hot, humid environment… • Heat Stroke: Least common, but most severe heat emergency. Occurs when people ignore the signals of heat exhaustion.

  7. Care for Heat Cramps • Move the person to a cool place • Give cool water to drink • Lightly stretch the muscle and gently massage the area

  8. Care for Heat Exhaustion • Move the person to a cooler environment • Loosen or remove clothing • Fan the person • Get the person into circulating air while applying wet towels • If the person is conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink • If the person’s condition does not improve of if you suspect heat stroke, call 9-1-1

  9. Care for Heat Stroke • Call 9-1-1 • Give care until help arrives by following the care steps for heat exhaustion.

  10. Prevention • Avoid being outdoors in the hottest or coldest part of the day • Change your activity level according to the temperature • Take frequent breaks • Dress appropriately for the environment • Drink large amounts of fluids

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