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www.sja.ca/be First on the Scene First Aid and CPR

First on the Scene – Lesson 21

Heat and Cold Injuries

Hypothermia - a generalized cooling of the body core temperature below 37oC (98.6oF).

A drop of 2 degrees can affect body tissues. Core temperature drops when the body loses

more heat than it produces. Conduction and convection (wet and wind) are

often the main contributors.

Student Reference Guide p. 21-1

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First on the Scene – Lesson 21

Hypothermia

1. Mild – characterized by shivering 2. Moderate – characterized by violent shivering;

confusion; irrational behaviour3. Severe – casualty is unconscious; no longer

shivering; breathing is slow or absent; pulse is weak and irregular.

Student Reference Guide p. 21-2

3 Stages

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First on the Scene – Lesson 21

Hypothermia - caution

Hypothermia can occur whenever the temperature is below 20oC, the weather is windy, wet or both, or the casualty is at risk (elderly). may be mistaken for other conditions such as drunkenness, stroke or drug abuse.

Student Reference Guide p. 21-2

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First on the Scene – Lesson 21

Hypothermia

Student Reference Guide p. 21-3, 21-5

Early recognition is the key to preventing hypothermia from getting worse.

The focus of first aid is to prevent further heat loss and get medical help.

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First on the Scene – Lesson 21

Heat and Cold Injuries

Student Reference Guide p. 21-7

Frostbite

Refers to the freezing of tissues when exposed to temperatures below zero.

Is a progressive injury that occurs in 2 stages (1) superficial, and

(2) deep

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First on the Scene – Lesson 21

Superficial the full thickness of the skin is frozen very painful at first

Deep the skin and deeper tissues are frozen skin is cold and hard the part is numb (no pain)

Frostbite

Student Reference Guide p. 21-7

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Superficial Frostbite

First Aid Cover the part with warm hands. Warm frostbitten fingers by breathing on them or placing them in a warm area of the body (armpits, abdomen or groin). Avoid further exposure to the cold.

Student Reference Guide p. 21-7

First on the Scene – Lesson 21

Do not rub the area; do not apply direct heat; do not rub with snow.

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First on the Scene – Lesson 21

Deep Frostbite

First AidAttempt rewarming of a small part such as a hand or foot only if -

(1) medial help is not available

(2) you are in a safe, warm place, and

(3) there is no danger of the part re-freezing

Student Reference Guide p. 21-8

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First on the Scene – Lesson 21

Heat and Cold Injuries – Heat Cramps

painful muscle cramps, in the legs or abdomen caused by losing too much water and salt through sweating usually caused by heavy exercise or physical work in a hot environment

First Aid: Encourage casualty to drink as much water as possible; if symptoms persist get medical help.

Student Reference Guide p. 21-9

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First on the Scene – Lesson 21

Heat and Cold Injuries – Heat Exhaustion

more serious than heat cramps casualty has lost too much body fluid through excessive sweating. signs of shock – pale, cool, sweaty skin dizziness, headache, blurred vision, cramps

First Aid: Give water to drink and position for shock. Get medical help.

Student Reference Guide p. 21-9

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First on the Scene – Lesson 21

Heat and Cold Injuries – Heat Stroke

is a life-threatening condition where the body temperature rises far about normal caused by prolonged exposure in a hot, humid, poorly ventilated environment

Student Reference Guide p. 21-10

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First on the Scene – Lesson 21

Heat and Cold Injuries – Heat Stroke

2 Types

1. Classic – temperature control mechanism fails; sweating stops (skin is hot, flushed and dry).

2. Exertional – temperature rises due to physical exertion in high temperatures; sweating continues. (Skin is hot, flushed and sweaty).

First Aid: Lower the body temperature quickly. Get medical help.