FIRST AID Hot and Cold Weather Emergencies

1. PAGES 339-340 FIRST AIDHot and Cold Weather Emergencies

2. Cold Weather Risks

3. Prevention of cold weather illness • Dress in layers (see page 339) • Wear a hat – 70% of body heat is lost through the head (when rest of the body is covered) • Cover nose and mouth to prevent breathing cold, dry air • Stay hydrated

4. Frostbite • Damage to the skin and tissues caused by extreme cold • Warning signs – whitening and hardening of skin, numb. • Usual locations – ears, nose, fingers, toes

5. Treatment • Warm area slowly • Do not rub affected area • Use warm (not hot) water

6. Hypothermia • dangerously low body temperature • Result of exposure to cold, cold water, or wet clothing in cold/windy weather • Symptoms: • Disoriented • Slow breathing • Loss of motor control • Drowsiness

7. Treatment • Call 911 • Get to a warm area • Warm the body slowly – core first

8. Wind Chill • Temperature and wind speed

9. HOT WEATHER RISKS

10. Prevention of heat related illness • Drink plenty of water (stay hydrated) • Wear loose, light weight clothing • Avoid exercise during mid day hours and during ozone alerts.

11. Overexertion • Overworking the body

12. Heat Exhaustion • Body is overheating • Symptoms include: • heavy sweating • cold, clammy skin • dizziness/confusion/fainting • headache • nausea/vomiting • cramps • shortness of breath

13. Treatment • Rest in cool area • Small sips of water • Douse body with cold water • ***if symptoms continue past 30 minutes, seek medical help***

14. Heat Stroke • Body cannot cool itself through perspiration– life threatening condition • NO SWEATING • Red, hot, dry skin • Difficulty breathing • May collapse suddenly

16. Treatment • Call 911 • Get victim to a cool area • Sponge with water

17. Heat Index • Combination of temperature and humidity