how does humidity exacerbate the impact of high temperatures on a person?
reduces the bodies ability to cool itself via sweat evaporation which increases the risk of heat related illnesses
which populations are more vulnerable to facing weather extreme conditions?
the elderly, the very young, and those with specific medical conditions, Obese/sedintary individuals.
why is the elederly and young children more brone to both heat and cold related illnesses
because they have reduced temperature regulation due to body mass and other physiological factors
why are those who take psychiatric medications at risk for frostbite or hypothermia?
because some psychiatric medications can impair temperature sensation
why are those who take diuretics predisposed to having heat exhaustion
because diuretics can cause dehydration in those who may have mobility issues or who may not drink enough fluids/sense thirst which predisposes them to heat exhaustion
what is a concern to have with mental health patients with regard to temperature perception?
they might wander outdoors inappropriately dressed in colded weather. they also could have an impaired temperature perception
what should you not do as treatment for a patient suffering from heat stroke?
- do not use wet dressings when cold packs are being applied
- do not give anything by mouth (NPO) due to altered LOA
NPO is advised for heat stroke patients due to altered LOA. how can we hydrate and stabilize this PT?
administering IV fluids
heat cramps are the mildest form of heat related illnesses, what does a paramedics treatment plan involve?
- cooling the patient
- administering fluids
- ensuring rest (supine positioning)
what are the S/S of heat exhaustion
- have a normal LOA but might feel dizzy or weak
- cool moist skin
- they should have noremal vital signs but could feel flu like
*hypotension could be present but depends on Pts condition
what would treatment look like for a PT expirencing heat exhaustion?
- remove the PT from the hot enviroment
- cool the pt gradually by removing clothing and applying wet dressing
- position supine
*O2 as indicated
what are the S/S of patients who are experiencing a heat stroke?
- in an altered mental state
- hot dry skin
- severe hypotension
- tachycardia
how does a treatment for a heat stroke patient differ from a heat exhaustion patient
for heat stroke patients nothing shoilf be given by mouth and cold packs are applied.
what complications should a paramedic be prepared with regards to a heat stroke patient?
- seizures
- combativeness
where on the body will nathan place cold pack for a pt that is having a heat stroke?
nathan will place them on the head, neck, groin, and axilla region to reduce the patients temprature. head and neck is often sufficient
what symptoms of heat stroke are similar to meningitis?
altered LOAs, Combativness, and onset of seizures
hypothermia can lead to both localized and systemic injuries. what is a localized hypothermic injury
frost bite
what are the symptoms of superficial frost bite?
numbness/loss of sensation in the affected area. Pts may also report a burning sensation
what would the skin presentation be for pts with superficial frostbite
it would be waxy white and firm to palpation
when the superficial frostbite begins to thaw what should you expect to see?
the skin may become cyanotic and the pt will complain of a hot stinging senstion once circulation returns
what are the symptoms of deep frostbite?
complete loss of sensation of effected area
what would the skin presentation be for deep frost bites?
white, yellow-white, or mottled blue with white patches. will feel hard and cold
what should you expect when deep frost bute thaws?
major tissue damage and could present as gangrene
for a patient experiencing mild hypothermia, what would their core body temperture range from?
32-35 degrees celcius
