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the effects and treatment of the following temperature related injuries: HYPOTHERMIA, FROSTBITE, HEAT STRESS, HEAT EXAUSTION, HEAT STROKE.
What is HYPOTHERMIA:
•Effects:
–A general cooling of the whole body caused by exposure to low or rapidly falling temperature, cold moisture, snow or ice. The victim may appear pale and unconscious, and may even be taken for dead.
–Breathing is slow and shallow, pulse faint or even undetectable. The body tissues feel semi-rigid, and the arms and legs may feel stiff.
•Treatment:
–Bring the body temperature to normal. The patient should be wrapped in warm blankets in a warm room.
–Do not give him hot drinks or other stimulants until he has regained consciousness. Get medical attention immediately------------
FROSTBITE:
•Effects:
–Superficial: Ice crystals forming in the upper skin layers after exposure to a temperature of 32 degrees or lower.
–Deep frostbite: Ice crystals forming in the deeper tissues after exposure to a temperature of 32 degrees or lower.
•Treatment:
–Get the victim indoors, warm the area by placing them in warm water or with hot water bottles. Other methods include placing them under the armpits, against the abdomen, or between the legs of a buddy.
–Never rub the frostbite area. Seek medical attention immediately---------
HEAT STRESS:
•A combination of air temperature, thermal radiation, humidity, airflow, and workload that places stress on the body.
•Effects:
–Increased body temperature causing fatigue
–Severe headache
–Nausea
–Reduced physical and mental performance
–If not immediately and properly treated, these injuries can be life threatening.
•Treatment:
–Remove individual from heat source (i.e. sun) and allow for gradual adaptation/acclimation to heat environment.-------------
HEAT EXAUSTION:
•A milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids.
•Effects:
–Serious disturbance of blood flow to the brain, heart, and lungs.
–Skin is cool, moist, and clammy
–Pupils dilated
–Normal or subnormal body temp and sweating profusely.
• Treatment:
–Move victim to a cool place
–Apply cold cloths to areas of the body------------
HEAT STROKE:
•A breakdown of the sweating ability of the body, no longer able to eliminate excess heat.
•Effects:
–Hot and/or dry skin
–Uneven pupils
–Weak, rapid pulse.
•Treatment:
–Contact emergency services immediately.
–Move victim to cooler environment and remove clothing.
–Reduce heat by cooling body through moisture/cold (wet body or use cold packs).
–Submerse body in cold (not ice) water, if none available then fan vigorously.