Hyperthermia Basics
What term means an abnormally high body temperature?
Hyperthermia
What environment increases heat illness risk the MOST: dry heat or humid heat?
Humid heat
What core temp defines hypothermia?
>95F
What is the most dangerous environmental factor that accelerates heat loss besides temperature?
Wind/wind chill
Dispatch reports “elderly female, no heat in the house for 3 days.” What environmental emergencies are most likely?
Hypothermia, dehydration
What heat illness is caused mainly by dehydration and electrolyte loss without altered mental status?
Heat exhaustion
What occupational group in CT has the highest heat stroke risk?
Construction / landscaping / athletics
What is the MOST common early sign of hypothermia?
Shivering
Why are intoxicated patients at extreme risk for hypothermia?
Alcohol causes vasodilation and blocks shivering
A snowmobiler was ejected and is laying still in sub-freezing temps. What kills them faster than bleeding?
Hypothermia
What heat emergency is immediately life-threatening and involves central nervous system dysfunction?
Heat stroke
What core temperature is commonly associated with heat stroke?
Greater than 104F
What happens to heart rate as core temp drops?
Bradycardia
What is the MOST common cause of hypothermia in Connecticut?
Prolonged cold exposure (wet & wind)
What is an example of an antipyretic?
Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Naproxen
What two body systems fail FIRST in heat stroke?
Neurological and cardiovascular
Why are elderly patients at higher risk for heat emergencies?
Decreased thirst response
Poor temperature regulation
Medications (diuretics, beta blockers)
True or False:
Hypothermia can exist even if the patient is indoors.
True.
What color change suggests worsening frostbite?
White → blue → black
A hypothermic patient is pulseless at 86°F. Do you terminate resuscitation on scene?
No — “not dead until warm and dead.”
Continue CPR and transport.
True or False: A patient with heat stroke may still be sweating.
True (especially exertional heat stroke)
SCENARIO:
A 22-year-old collapses during football practice in August. Skin hot, HR 148, BP 88 systolic, confused. What FOUR actions must happen immediately?
Airway & high-flow O₂
Remove from heat
Aggressive cooling (ice packs/ice water)
Rapid transport
A homeless patient is found outdoors in January, cold to touch, confused, HR 38, BG 54. What THREE conditions are killing him right now?
Hypothermia
Hypoglycemia
Bradycardia
What medication effect increases hypothermia risk in elderly patients?
Beta blockers and sedatives blunt heat response
A hypothermic patient becomes suddenly pulseless during packaging. What likely caused this arrest?
Rough handling triggering ventricular fibrillation