Assessment
Your first concern when arriving on scene?
Scene Safety
What are the two types of cold related emergencies?
Frostbite and Hypothermia
How is body temperature controlled?
The balance between heat loss and production.
Name two types of people that are more susceptible than cold related emergencies?
The very young and elderly.
This occurs in temps above freezing and is caused from standing in cold water.
What is trench foot.
The Scene is safe what is your next step?
Call 911
What are two things that can happen as a result from Frostbite?
Cell damage and Loss of limbs
Name two ways the body produces heat?
Muscle contractions, Converting food to energy
What are two easy ways of protecting yourself from cold related emergencies?
Don't go out in the coldest part of the day.
Dress appropriately for the weather.
Name a treatment that is NOT performed on a frostbite area, as it would cause further damage.
DO NOT Massage the affected area.
Name the primary life-threats in any emergency?
What is Airway, Breathing and Circulation
Name three signs of Hypothermia
Shivering, Numbness, Glassy stare, decreasing level of consciousness, Weakness, Impaired judgment
Name three factors that affect body temperature?
Air temperature, wind and humidity
Name two ways heat is loss.
conduction, convection, evaporation, respiration
Why is it important not to warm a victim of Hypothermia too quickly?
It can cause dangerous heart rhythms.
How can you prevent shock during your assessment?
Administer O2, keep the patient warm, remove patient from the elements
What is the difference between Superficial and Deep Frostbite?
Superficial: Skin is frozen, but tissues beneath are not
Deep: Skin and underlying tissues are frozen.
Why does the body shiver?
When the blood vessels constrict to keep warm blood near the center of the body, and it fails to keep you warm.
Core temperature greater than 90 degree with signs and symptoms of hypothermia
What is mild hypothermia?
What is passive rewarming?
Warm blankets, turning the heat up
What does the M in SAMPLE refer to?
Medications
Name two things that can interfere with the body's normal responses to cold
Alcohol and barbiturates
A part of the brain that detects a temperature change and set a series of events in motion in order to control the temperature.
What is the Hypothalamus
What 4 areas of the body are more susceptible to frostbite?
Nose, ears, fingers, toes
Name the first step in caring for frostbite?
Attempt to remove restrictive clothing/jewelry