Environmental Emergencies Flashcards Preview

Advanced EMT > Environmental Emergencies > Flashcards

Flashcards in Environmental Emergencies Deck (25)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

thermogenesis

A

Increased body temperature causes increase heat loss and shut off normal heat production pathways.

2
Q

thermolysis

A

Decrease body temperature prompts heat production and conservation and turns off normal heat-liberating pathways.

3
Q

conduction

A

Transfer of heat from body part to a colder object or substance by direct contact.

4
Q

convection

A

Heat is transferred to circulating air

5
Q

evaporation

A

Body sweats to cool itself

6
Q

radiation

A

Loss of body heat directly to colder object in the environment by radiant energy.

7
Q

respiration

A

Body heat loss as warm air in the lungs is exhaled into the atmosphere and cooler air is inhaled.

8
Q

To protect itself against heat loss, the body :

A

Constricts blood vessels in skin

Creates heat by shivering

9
Q

s/s mild hypothermia

A
Core temp 93-95 degrees
Alert, withdrawn, anxious, or restless
Shivering
Tachycardia
Tachypnea
Skin may be red, pale, cyanotic
10
Q

s/s moderate hypothermia

A
Core temp 89-92
AMS
Poor coordination and memory loss
Loss of sensation to touch, mood changes, and impaired judgement
Difficulty speaking
May appear stiff or rigid
11
Q

s/s severe hypothermia

A
Core temp below 80
Vital signs low
Unresponsive
Pulse weakens
Respiration decrease or become absent
Cardiac dysrhythmias
Pupillary reaction slow
May appear dead
Cardiac arrest
12
Q

frostnip

A

Skin may freeze from prolonged exposure, but the deeper tissues are unaffected.

13
Q

signs of frostnip and immersion foot

A

Skin is pale and cold to touch

Nl color returns after palpitation of skin

14
Q

signs of frostbite

A

hard, waxy feel

blisters and welling

15
Q

General emergency treatment of cold injuries

A

Remove pt from further exposure
Handle the injured part gently and protect it
Administer oxygen
Remove any wet or restrictive clothing over injured part

16
Q

Frostnip emergency care

A

Contact with a warm object - hands, breath, or pt’s own body

17
Q

Immersion foot emergency care

A

Remove wet shoes, boots, and socks
Rewarm foot gradually and protect from cold
Splint extremity and cover loosely w/ dry, sterile dressing

18
Q

Frostbite emergency care

A

Remove restrictive items from injured part
Cover injury loosely w/ dry, sterile dressing
Do not apply heat or rewarm
Do not allow pt to stand or walk on frostbitten foot
Splint extremity
Support vital signs
Prompt transport

19
Q

s/s of heat exhaustion

A
Cold, clammy skin w/ ashen pallor
Dry tongue and thirst
Dizziness, weakness, or faintness
Headache
Nausea
Tachycardia
Hypotension
Nl or slightly elevated temp
20
Q

s/s heatstroke

A
AMS
Delirium
Seizures
Dry, hot skin. Diaphoresis may persist.
No muscle cramps
Increased RR
Tachycardia - bradycardia, weak
21
Q

Managing heat cramps

A

Remove pt from environment
Loosen any tight clothing
Administer high-flow oxygen if indicated
Rest cramping muscles
Replace fluids by mouth
Cool pt w/ cool water and add convection method of cooling
–Establish IV and transport to hospital if cramps do not improve

22
Q

Treating heat exhaustion

A

Remove pt from environment
Remove excess clothing
Administer oxygen if indicated
Check BS if altered
Cool w/ misting and ice packs to trunk.
Ice bath or similar facility if available.
Supine position
Convection cooling method
Slowly drink up to 1 liter of water if alert
IV access - administer saline fluid boluses of 20 mL/kg as needed

23
Q

When should you transport the pt to a hospital for heat exhaustion?

A

Sxs do not clear up promptly
LOC decreases
Body temperature remains elevated
Person is very young, older, or underlying medical condition

24
Q

Managing heatstroke

A
Remove pt from environment into ambulance
Set air conditioning to max
Remove clothing
Administer high-flow oxygen if indicated
Cold-water immersion if possible
Cover pt in wet towels or sheets, or spray w/ cool water and fan
Aggressively and repeatedly fan pt
R/o other causes of AMS
Check BS
Rapid transport
Notify hospital ASAP
25
Q

What should you do if cold-water immersion is available, but you are unable to cool en route?

A

Continue cold-water immersion at the scene until body temp is between 101-102