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,