Basic First Aid for the Community and Workplace

Section 6 — Heat- and Cold-Related Illnesses and Injuries Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke First Aid • Assess, Alert, and Attend the ABCs. • If responsive have the victim lie down in a shady cool place. • Loosen or remove excess clothing. • Give cool water to sip. • Apply cool, wet cloths to the victim’s skin. • Place cold compresses on the victim’s neck, groin, and armpits. This training guide is provided online for individual use only. Reprinting for classroom distribution is prohibited. • Use a fan to lower the body temperature. Heat Stroke Heat stroke, where the body temperature is in excess of 105°F is a true, life-threatening medical emergency. Such a high body temperature can quickly cause permanent damage to the organs, including the brain and spinal cord. Signs and Symptoms • Decreasing mental status (confusion hallucinations, bizarre behavior.) • Very warm, or even hot, skin temperature (heavy sweating may be present.) • Seizure. • Unconsciousness. First Aid • Assess, Alert, and Attend the ABCs. • Begin aggressive cooling with any resources available. – Spray or pour water on the victim and fan him/her. – Apply ice packs to the victim’s neck, groin, and armpits and/or cover the victim with a wet sheet. If unresponsive • Place the victim on his or her side in the recovery position to protect the airway. • Provide continuous cooling until EMS arrives. With rapid cooling and medical treatment, survival rate approaches 90%.55 • Do not give the victim anything by mouth if vomiting or unconscious. Temperature extremes. Extended exposure to hot, humid environment can overwhelm the body’s ability to cool itself down. It is important to recognize and to treat the symptoms of heat illness early to prevent a victim from progressing to heat stroke. The two main illnesses related to heat exposure are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat Exhaustion Develops when the body encounters high temperatures it is not used to. It can look like many other common illnesses. Signs and Symptoms Early • Heavy sweating. • Thirst. • Minor muscle "twitches" that progress to painful cramping.54 Later • Pale, cool, and moist skin. • Headache. • Nausea/vomiting. • Weak/dizziness. • Feels faint or collapses. Heat- and Cold-Related Illnesses and Injuries Basic First Aid for the Community and Workplace 39

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Basic First Aid for the Community and Workplace

Basic First Aid for the Community and Workplace Contents Basic First Aid Emergency Action Steps Severe Bleeding and Shock Major Wounds Minor Wounds Burns Bites and Stings Dental Injuries Eye and Nose Injuries Injuries to Limbs Injuries to the Spine Head Injury Sudden Illness Specific Conditions Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Endnotes About This Program

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