Lesson 13: Heat Related Illnesses Emergency Reference Guide p. 59-64

Lesson 13:Heat Related Illnesses Emergency Reference Guide p. 59-64

Objectives • Define heat exhaustion, heat stroke & hyponatremia • Describe prevention techniques • List signs/symptoms for heat related illnesses • Describe emergency treatment • Describe situations that require emergency evacuation

Heat Related Illnesses Overview • Range of problems associated with very warm to hot air temperatures • Other factors involved: • Humidity • Being overweight/out of shape • Very young or very old • Unaccustomed to heat • Certain drugs such as antihistamines • Continued exercise • Dehydration

Heat Related Illnesses Overview (cont’d.) • Heat exhaustion: result of combination of factors. • Heat stress • Water/electrolyte loss • Inadequate hydration • Heat stroke: when core produces heat faster than it can be dissipated. • Over-exerting or dehydrated • Hyponatremia: low blood sodium level. Caused by drinking too much water or failing to eat

Preventing Heat Related Illnesses • What can you do to prevent heat related illnesses? • Stay well hydrated, consume water prior to exercising & during exercise • Wear baggy, loosely woven clothing to allow evaporation • Keep head covered & face shaded • Keep fit, start slowly • Avoid exercise during hottest part of day • Drugs may increase risk • Rest in shade often

Signs/Symptomsfor Heat Exhaustion • Sweating • Tiredness & feeling lethargic • Skin appears pale & sweaty or flushed • Headache • Nausea, sometimes vomiting • Muscle cramps • Thirst/decrease urine output • Dizziness • Elevated heart rate • Possible slight increase in core temp

Caring for Heat Exhaustion • Stop activity, rest in cool/shady area • Replace lost fluids: • Quart of water with pinch salt added. Drink over a 20 minute period • Do not use salt tablets, too concentrated • Wet the patient down • Gently stretch & massage cramped muscles • Allow drowsy patient to sleep • Recovery may take 24 hours • When patient feels ok, allow to continue

Signs/Symptoms for Heat Stroke • Core temperature rising to 105F • Disorientation, bizarre personality changes • Skin turning hot and red, may be dry • Elevated heart and respiratory rate • Headache • Seizures

Care for Heat Stroke • True emergency, rapid cooling is essential • Remove from hot environment • Remove heat retaining clothing • Immerse in cool water or drench in cool/cold water • Concentrate cooling on head & neck • Use cold packs on neck, armpits, groin, hands, feet • Fan patient to increase evaporation

Care for Heat Stroke (cont’d.) • Monitor patient closely & cease cooling efforts when normal status returns • Give cold water to drink, if patient can accept it • Do not give fever reducing drugs • Have patient see health care provider as soon as possible • Keep careful watch on patient, relapses common

Signs/Symptoms for Hyponatremia • Appears to have heat exhaustion, but giving more water makes it worse • Also called “water intoxication” • Looks like heat exhaustion, but: • Urinated recently, urine clear • Claims drinking all day, denies being thirsty • Headache • Weakness & fatigue • Light headedness

Signs/Symptoms for Hyponatremia(cont’d.) • Muscle cramps • Nausea with/without vomiting • Sweaty skin • Normal core temp • Normal/slightly elevated pulse/respiration rate • Increasing level of anxiety • More severe symptoms include disorientation, irritability, combativeness • If untreated, can lead to seizures, coma & death

Caring for Hyponatremia • Mild to moderate cases can be cared for in the field • Rest in shaded area • Eat salty foods. Do not let them drink anything • If patient is well hydrated, restricting fluid intake is harmless • Once patient has normal hunger/thirst and normal urine output, the condition is resolved

Scenarios • A 24 yr old, slightly overweight, competing in short distance tri-athalon. Says he drank 3 - 4 quarts water. Stumbling while running up a hill & stops at your first aid station

Scenarios • A 68 yr old woman in excellent condition is working on wilderness survey. She is sweating while carrying camera equipment then becomes confused & vomits

Guidelines for Evacuation • GO SLOW for patient who does not fully recover from heat exhaustion or mild hyponatremia • GO FAST for patient with altered mental state due to heat related issues, hyponatremia or experiences seizures

Questions???What else could you add to your First Aid Kit?

Lesson 13: Heat Related Illnesses Emergency Reference Guide p. 59-64