Environmental Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is the optimal core temperature range for human function?
36°C to 37.3°C.
What physiological shift occurs in hyperthermia?
A right shift in the oxygen–haemoglobin dissociation curve (more O₂ offloaded to tissues).
Name two minor heat-related conditions.
Heat rash and heat oedema.
How is heat exhaustion managed?
Active cooling, fluid and electrolyte replacement, move to cool area, oral/IV rehydration.
What defines heat stroke?
Core temperature >40.5°C + altered mental status due to heat-induced encephalopathy.
What is a key feature of severe dehydration?
Little or no urination, dry skin, sunken eyes, hypotension, rapid pulse.
What is exercise-associated hyponatremia?
A condition from low sodium levels during/after exercise, can lead to seizures and coma.
How is hyponatremia managed?
Sit upright, provide high-flow O₂, monitor for seizures, IV NS (not hypotonic fluids).
What is frostbite and how is it classified?
Freezing injury; classified from 1st (superficial) to 4th degree (full thickness incl. bone).
What is the treatment priority for frostbite?
Remove from cold, prevent further heat loss, dry area, rewarm only if long transport.
What defines hypothermia?
Core body temperature <35°C.
What are the stages of hypothermia based on temperature?
Mild: 35–32°C
Moderate: 32–30°C
Severe: <30°C
How is drowning defined?
Respiratory impairment from immersion in liquid.
What is the first critical response in drowning?
Establish airway, provide high-flow oxygen or ventilate if GCS is low.
What is the “diving reflex”?
Parasympathetic response slowing HR and causing vasoconstriction
What is acute mountain sickness (AMS)?
Hypoxia from altitude, may lead to cerebral/pulmonary oedema
What causes barotrauma in divers?
Failing to exhale during ascent—air expands causing lung injury
What is decompression illness (DCI)?
Gas bubble formation due to rapid pressure changes, leads to symptoms like “the bends.”
What are the three main types of venom effects?
Coagulopathic, neurotoxic, and myopathic.
How is snakebite managed prehospitally?
Apply pressure bandage with immobilisation (PBI), monitor for symptoms, administer antivenom when indicated.
What is the common treatment for marine envenomation?
Hot water immersion therapy for pain relief.
What are the 5 mechanisms of lightning injury?
Direct strike, side flash, contact, ground current, upward streamer.
What is a Lichtenberg figure?
A fern-like skin pattern from lightning injury.
What is the reverse triage method in lightning strikes?
Prioritise patients in cardiac arrest as they may have recoverable ROSC.
