climate related injuries ian stickel 11th grade health
TRANSCRIPT
Climate Related InjuriesIan Stickel
11th Grade Health
About Heat Illnesses
Causes Dehydration
Over activity
Hot environments
Humid environments
The Body’s Reaction to Heat
During exercise the body attempts to maintain homeostasis by dilating blood vessels near the surface of the body to move
heat away from vital organs
excreting sweat through pores
the evaporating sweat carries heat away from the body
In temperate and manageable conditions this will effectively keep the body temperature down.
The Body’s Reaction to Heat Cont.
This method of cooling becomes ineffective when, the body is dehydrated and can’t sweat properly
the air in the environment is too humid, and sweat can’t evaporate off the body
the environment is too hot and sweating can not cope with the intense heat
When the body fails to cope with the heat, heat related illnesses can occur
Stages of Heat Illnesses
Heat Rash
Heat Cramps
Heat Exhaustion
Heat Stroke
Stages go in order of severity but are not dependent on each other when they occur.
For example you can have a heat stoke without ever having a heat rash.
Heat Rash
Symptoms
Clusters of red bumps on skin
Skin irritation
Care
Keep affected area dry
Move to cooler area
Drink water
Heat Cramps
Symptoms
Muscle Spasms
Pain in muscles
Usually affects arms, legs, or abdomen
Care
Rest in cooler area
Drink water or other cool beverages
Wait at least an hour before returning to activity
Seek medical attention if cramps don’t go away
Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms
Heavy sweating
Headache
Nausea, vomiting
Lightheaded, Dizziness
Weakness
Thirst
Fast heart beat
Care
Sit or lie down in cool area
Drink plenty of water
Use cold compresses or ice packs on affected person
Heat Stroke
Symptoms
Confusion
Fainting
Seizures
Excessive Sweating
Very High Body Temp.
Care
Call 911
Move person to cool or shady area
Loosen clothing, remove outer layers of clothing
Apply ice packs, cool compresses
Hydrate person with water
Stay there until help arrives
Review of Heat Related Illness
All different levels of severity
Each level not dependent on the last
Move affected person to cooler area
Hydrate the person
Call 911 if seizures or fainting occur
Be mindful of your environment
If it is too hot or humid, limit activity
About Cold Related Illness
Causes
Poor preparation
Exposed skin
Extended amounts of time in cold elements
Excessively cold and or windy conditions
Wet clothing or environment
The Body’s Reaction to The Cold
Hairs will be raised in affected areas, “Goosebumps”, to attempt to block the skin from the wind and trap heat around the body.
The body will constrict blood vessels near the surface to reduce heat loss through skin.
The body will involuntarily contract muscle groups in an attempt to produce heat. This reaction is commonly known as shivering and includes
chattering teeth.
Cold Related Illnesses
Hypothermia
State in which body is cooler than 95 degrees F and is losing heat faster than it can produce it.
Occurs in different worsening stages Mild
Moderate
Severe
Mild Hypothermia
Symptoms
Shivering
Dizziness
Faster breathing
Trouble speaking
Increased heart rate
Slight Confusion
Treatment
Calmly remove person out of cold
Remove wet clothing when applicable
Dry victims body
Provide warm beverages
DO NOT apply direct heat
(too much heat too soon can cause damage to skin)
Moderate to Severe Hypothermia
Symptoms Sudden stop of shivering
without heating victim
Slurred speech or mumbling
Poor decision making like removing warm clothing
Lack of concern for ones condition
Weak pulse
Shallow breathing
Treatment
Remove person from cold
Call 911
Monitor breathing
Share body heat
Use warm dry compresses
Frostbite
Localized effect of cold on the body
Warm blood pulled away from extremities to keep core safe and warm
(body would sacrifice whole limbs to ensure survival)
Body tissue freezes and ruptures causes bruising and discoloration
Frostbite Treatment
Frostnip
DO NOT rub the area or run under HOT water, this can cause further damage
Get out of the cold
Slowly warm affected area using heat from armpits or warm water
Deep Frostbite
If skin blisters seek medical attention immediately
Get out of cold as soon as possible
Attempt to warm area as quickly as you can
If available apply antibiotic to effected area
Why Don’t Polar Animals Freeze?
Fur coats
Some cold weather animals have thick fur coats to create warm layers air between them and their environments.
Insulating fat Another adaptation for
fighting the cold is fat.
Since fat doesn’t transfer heat well, some animals can survive the cold by having a multiple inch think layer of fat to protect their vital organs.
Risk Factors Climate Illnesses
Alcohol Dehydrates the body.
Dilates surface blood vessels.
Inhibits ability to make sound decisions.
Medical history Body fat %, diabetes,
heart conditions, ect… all can have major effects.
Extreme climates Avoid playing or working
in environments that are excessively hot, humid, cold, or windy.
Use good judgment on when it is safe to engage in activity and when it is smart to stop.
Closing Question
Why might the body fail to maintain homeostasis during an outdoor basketball game?
How might body fat % effect the rate at which heat related and cold related illnesses occur?
You get a severe cramp in your leg while playing soccer in the sun, what should you do?
True/False If you stop shivering while skiing, it is because it has gotten warmer and you don’t need to rest in the lodge to warm up.
Thank you,