Environmental Emergencies Flashcards
Learn the different interventions and causes of Environmental Emergencies
What is the Hypothalamus responsible for?
Controls and Monitors body temperature
Define
Thermoregulation
The body’s ability to maintain a set temperature
What is a typical BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate)?
70 kilocalories/hr
Define
Evaporation
Liquid to a gas
Such as sweating
Define
Convection
Energy transfer by moving air over a liquid
Such as wind chill across the body
Define
Conduction
Direct physical contact transfers energy from one to the other
Such as jumping into a cold lake
Define
Radiation
Heat transfer through electromagnetic waves
Heat loss through the head
Define
Thermolysis
How the body releases stored heat
Define
Thermogenesis
Production of heat and energy from the body
How do certain medications alter the body’s ability to maintain proper thermoregulation?
- Diuretics cause dehydration
- Beta blockers limit compensation of cardiovascular systems
Describe
Heat Cramps
Acute muscle spasms
Causes: occurs from profuse sweating and sodium loss
Assessment
Heat Cramps
- Hypotension
- Nausea
- Rapid pulse
- Pale and moist skin
- Normal temperature
Treatment
Heat Cramps
- Move to cool environment
- Fluid replenishment
- IV Normal Saline
Define
Heat Exhaustion
Heat Stress and Volume depletion
Assessment
Heat Exhaustion
Temp < 104°F
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Cramping
Treatment
Heat Exhaustion
- Passive Cooling
- Fluids
- Supine with legs elevated
- Oral hydration
What is
Heat Stroke
Core Body Temp > 104°F and Altered Mental Status
Assessment
Heat Stroke
- CBT > 104°F
- Altered Mental Status
- Dry, Flushed Skin
- Tachycardia
- Hypotension or Normotensive
Treatment
Heat Stroke
- Remove from offending environment
- Strip Patient of Clothing
- Cover in Ice Water
- Fan Patient
- Fluid Resuscitation
What is
Frost Bite
Ischemic injury to tissues from exposures to the cold