1Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002

Hot & Cold Weather Injuries & Emergencies

Developed as part of the National Emergency Services Curriculum Project

2Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002

Progression of Heat Injuries

• Heat Cramps

• Heat Exhaustion

• Heat Stroke

3Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002

Heat Cramps

• 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

4Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002

Heat Exhaustion

• 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

5Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002

Heat Stroke• 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

6Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002

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

7Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002

Cold Weather Injuries

• Frostbite– Early stage– Later stage

• Hypothermia– Early stage– Later stage

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Early Stage Frostbite

• 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

9Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002

Later Stage Frostbite

• 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

10Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002

Early Stage Hypothermia

• 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

11Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002

Later Stage Hypothermia

• 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

12Hot_Cold.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002

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

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Hot & Cold Weather Injuries Tasks

• O-0003: Prevent and Treat Hot Weather Injuries

• O-0004: Prevent and Treat Cold Weather Injuries

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QUESTIONS?