Key Points Environment does not have to be extremely cold for a person to suffer a coldrelated emergency especially if the person is wet or if it is windy Young children are susceptible to coldrelated emergencies bc their body temperature regulating system is not fully developed ID: 933328
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Slide1
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.
Slide2Frostbite vs. HypothermiaFrostbite: 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.
Slide3Care for HypothermiaMove 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.
Slide4Care for FrostbiteRemove 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
Slide5Heat-Related EmergenciesWhat 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.
Slide6Heat-Related IllnessHeat 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.
Slide7Care for Heat CrampsMove the person to a cool place
Give cool water to drink
Lightly stretch the muscle and gently massage the area
Slide8Care for Heat ExhaustionMove 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
Slide9Care for Heat StrokeCall 9-1-1
Give care until help arrives by following the care steps for heat exhaustion.
Slide10PreventionAvoid 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