Heat-Related Emergencies

1
Chapter 21

• Heat-Related Emergencies

2
How the Body Stays Cool

• The body works constantly to disperse the heat it
  produces.
• When heat is produced faster than the body can
  lose it, heat illness results.
• Heat cramps
• Heatstroke
• Heat exhaustion

3
Water Loss

• Adult body weight
• 50-60 water
• When the body loses water faster than it takes it
  in, dehydration results.
• Drink 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes.

4
Electrolyte Loss

• Sweat and urine contain potassium and sodium.
• Essential electrolytes that control movement of
  water in and out of cells
• Most people require only water
• Commercial sports drinks can be useful during
  vigorous physical activity.

5
Effects of Humidity

• Sweat can cool the body only if it evaporates.
• No sweat evaporates in high humidity.
• The higher the humidity, the lower the
  temperature at which heat risk begins.

6
Heat-Related Emergencies

• Heat cramps
• Heat exhaustion
• Heatstroke

7
Who Is at Risk?

• Elderly people
• Higher risk because of impaired cardiac output
  and decreased ability to sweat
• Infants and young children
• Children and pets when left in automobiles

8
Heat Illnesses

• Include a range of disorders
• Some are common but only heatstroke is life
  threatening
• Types
• Heat cramps
• Heat exhaustion
• Heatstroke

9
Recognizing Heat Cramps

• Sudden, painful muscle spasms
• Occurs in back of leg or abdomen
• Occurs during or after physical exertion

10
Care for Heat Cramps

• Have victim stop activity and rest in cool place.
  
• Stretch cramped muscle
• Remove excess or tight clothing.
• Provide water or commercial sports drink.

11
Recognizing Heat Exhaustion

• Heavy perspiration with normal or slightly
  above-normal body temperature
• Signs of heat exhaustion
• Heavy sweating
• Severe thirst
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting

12
Care for Heat Exhaustion

• Have victim stop activity and rest in cool place.
• Remove excess or tight clothing.
• Provide water or commercial sports drink.
• Have victim lie down raise legs 6 to 12 inches.
• Apply cool, wet towels to victim.
• Seek medical care if condition does not improve.

13
Recognizing Heatstroke

• Body temperature becomes extremely high
• Requires rapid intervention
• Signs of heatstroke
• Extremely hot, dry skin
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Unresponsiveness

14
Care for Heatstroke

• Have victim stop activity and rest in cool place.
• Call 9-1-1.
• If unresponsive, open airway, check breathing,
  and provide care.
• Rapidly cool patient with cool, wet towels,
  fanning, and cold packs.

15
Care for Heatstroke