Heat Illness Causes
Name one common way the body gets rid of heat?
Sweating
What kind of clothing will make heat stress worse?
Clothing that does not breathe - synthetics like polyester & nylon
What is the most dangerous consequence of heat syncope (fainting)?
Falls & secondary injuries from those falls
What should a searcher wear when preparing to search in hot weather?
Light and airy fabrics, such as cotton, linen, and silk
Jose is acting crazy, has dry red skin that feels very hot when you touch it.
Heat stroke - Dry, hot skin, Very high body temperature, confusion
What happens to the body’s blood vessels when the body is stressed by heat?
They dilate / expand
What kind of personal conditioning may make you more at risk for a heat illness?
Being out of shape or overweight, and lack of sleep
Heat cramps are the result of the loss of what electrolyte (body mineral)?
Salt
What 2 common beverages should a searcher avoid when it is very hot?
Alcohol and drinks with a lot of sugar (>6%)
You've been on a coastline search for a few hours, and you notice Nancy isn't responding to you, she has a glazed look, and suddenly faints.
Heat Stroke
Cool by any means - wet her skin, have multiple people fan her, elevate her feet and treat any injuries.
Name 3 environmental conditions that make it very hot for a searcher
1. High air temperature,
2. High humidity,
3. No wind - no air movement
What kind of diet would put a worker at risk for heat illness in hot weather?
Low sodium/salt diet
Name 3 symptoms of heat exhaustion
Any of the following:
Your fellow searcher is developing heat cramps, what can we offer them as first aid?
A sportsdrink or mineral infused water for hydration
Your team leader has been hydrating well, however during your third tasking, they start to seem uncomfortable, pale, and tugging at their shirt often. They have been taking more frequent breaks as well, despite the day beginning to cool down.
Heat exhaustion - signs of cramps, increased sweating, and fatigue.
Remove their pack, offer a sports drink, loosen clothing, and monitor her. Let Incident Command know you need extra time, or to return to post.
Name 1 common internal and 1 common external source of heat stress
Internal = when working very hard, muscles produce heat
External = environmental heat
What 2 chronic medical conditions make a searcher or subject at greater risk for heat illness?
Heart disease & diabetes
How can you know that the amount of water you are drinking is not enough besides being thirsty?
You don’t urinate, or your urine is very dark
How do you rapidly cool someone when you have no access to running water or ice?
Wet down their body and vigorously fan
An overhead team member has been inside the Situation unit all day, and begins to feel a bit nauseated and faint.
Heat Exhaustion - even if not exposed to direct sun/heat, if the trailer is not properly ventilated and you've been inside it for many hours, you may still experience symptoms.
What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?
Heat exhaustion is the build up of too much heat in the body,
Heat stroke is the breakdown of normal body functions from heat exhaustion
What are some common medications may make someone more susceptible to heat illness?
Any of the following medicines for:
Name 3 syptoms of heat stroke
High body temperature (above 104°F/40°C), confusion, altered mental state, seizures, loss of consciousness, hot and dry skin, rapid heart rate, and lack of sweating
True or False: Heat Stroke can be managed in the field/at home if caught early enough
False: Heat exhaustion can be treated at home, but heat stroke is serious and must be treated in hospital. It can lead to long-term health issues, including neurological and cardiovascular problems, depending on the severity and duration of the initial episode
You find your subject unresponsive in the woods, mostly obscured by down trees and lots of foilage. They have a rapid pulse, skin is hot to touch but not sweating, and only alert to painful stimuli, to which they groan.
Trick question - anti-cholinergic drug overdose
Otherwise, heat stroke, we have no way to be specific unless there is known information. They may be in a shady area out of the sun, however they are tachycardic, skin is hot and dry, and only responsive to pain - we treat what we can see.