19 Heat Related Illness and Emergencies

Match each term with the correct definition.

• Hypothermia

• The freezing of body tissues caused by overexposure to the cold

• Exercise associated muscle cramps

• A life-threatening condition that develops when the body’s cooling mechanism fails

• Heat stroke

• A life-threatening condition that develops when the body’s warming mechanisms fail to maintain

  normal body temperature

• Frostbite

• Painful spasms of skeletal muscles that develop after heavy exercise or work outdoors in warm or moderate temperatures

• Exertional heat exhaustion

• A life-threatening condition that develops when the body’s warming mechanisms fail to maintain normal body temperature

List the three main factors that affect body temperature.

List two conditions that can result from overexposure to heat.

List the signs and symptoms of exertional heat exhaustion.

List two reasons why EMS personnel should be called for exertional heat exhaustion.

List two ways to cool a person with heat stroke.

List two conditions that result from overexposure to the cold.

List four ways to prevent heat-related illnesses and cold-related emergencies.

To care for exercise-associated muscle cramps—

• Have the person rest comfortably in a cool place.

• Call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number.

• Give salt tablets

• All of the above

To care for dehydration—

• Cool the body

  using wet sheets

  and towels or

  cold packs.

• Cool the body by

  applying rubbing

  alcohol.

• Call 9-1-1 or

  the designated

  emergency

  number.

• Replace lost fluids.