Presentation on theme: "Heat Related Emergencies"— Presentation transcript
Slide1
Heat Related Emergencies
Cindy Burnette MSN, RN, CA-CP SANETrauma Outreach Coordinator for Education and Injury PreventionMedical Center HospitalSlide2
What are heat emergencies?
Heat related emergencies are a health crisis caused by exposure to hot weather and sunHeat Stress
Heat Exhaustion
Heat StrokeSlide3
Who is at Risk?
Young ChildrenPeople aged 65 and older
Outdoor laborers
AthletesSlide4
How does our body work to cool itself?
Conduction- Heat loss through direct contact with a cool object
Convection- the dissipation of heat when cool air passes over exposed skin
Radiation-the release of heat from the body into the environment
Evaporation- through perspirationSlide5
The Heat Index
Air Temperature + Relative Humidity
The human body normally cools itself by
perspiring and then evaporating
Relative Humidity reduces the evaporation rate
High humidity reduces the body’s ability to get rid of excess heat Slide6Slide7
Factors Leading to heat Related Emergencies
High temperatures and high humidity
Direct sun or heat
Limited air movement
Physical exertion
Poor physical condition
Protective clothing
Some medications-
beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, laxatives
Inadequate tolerance for increased heatSlide8
Heat Stress
First stage of a Heat EmergencyMuscle pain and tightness
More likely to happen to the elderly, small children, overweight individuals, and those drinking alcoholSlide9
Heat Exhaustion
Muscle Cramps Dizziness and Fatigue
Headache
Irritability
Nausea or Vomiting
Flushed Skin that is Hot to the Touch (up to 104° F)
Heavy Sweating
Visual disturbances
Rapid pulseSlide10
Heat Stroke
May have all the signs of heat exhaustion plus:Dry, hot skin usually without sweating
Confusion
Rapid shallow breathing
Rapid weak pulse
Seizures
Loss of consciousness
Body temperatures that can reach 105° FSlide11
Treating Heat Related Emergencies- Heat Cramps
At first sign of a heat related emergency:Move the person to a cooler area and out of direct sunlight
Gently message the cramping muscles
Offer water or a sports drink every 15 minutes- drink slowly!Slide12
Treating Heat Related Emergencies- Heat Exhaustion
Move the person to a cooler area and out of direct sunlightLoosen clothing and/or remove out layers
Apply cool, wet towels to the face, neck, chest, and limbs
Fan the individual’s skin
Offer cool water or a sports drink every 15 minutes
If symptoms do not improve or get worse call 911 or go to the Emergency RoomSlide13
Treating Heat Related Emergencies- Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a life threatening emergency, call 911Move the person to a cooler area and out of direct sunlight
Loosen clothing and/or remove out
layers
Fan the individual’s skin
Apply cool, wet towels to the face, neck, chest, and limbs
Apply ice pack to neck, armpits and groin
Offer cool water or sports drink every 15 minutesSlide14
Preventing Heat Related Emergencies
Drink Plenty of Fluids- avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks
Wear appropriate clothes- light colored, light weight, wide brim hats
Stay Indoors During Mid-Day- between 10am-6pm
Watch the Heat Index
Seek Air-Conditioned Environments
Know the Warning Signs of Heat-Related EmergenciesSlide15
Important Points to remember!
ALWAYS call 911 if the heat emergency is causing vomiting, seizures, or loss of consciousnessDo not give the individual anything to drink if they are vomiting or unconscious
Never give the individual a drink containing caffeine or alcoholSlide16
Potential Complications from heat emergencies
Vital organ damage, especially brain and kidneyDeath- 40% of heat related deaths come from Texas, Arizona, and California
Heat stroke causes about
700 deaths per yearSlide17Slide18Slide19
Questions?
Comments?
