Hypothermia |
HyperthermiaINTRODUCTION
Heat induced illness may be caused by:
Factors which may contribute to heat induced illness include: excessive physical exertion hot climatic conditions with high humidity inadequate fluid intake infection (particularly a viral illness) inappropriate environments (eg unventilated hot buildings) wearing inappropriate heavy, dark clothing on hot days drugs which affect heat regulation. RECOGNITION Mild elevation in body temperature is normally controlled with sweating, which allows cooling by evaporation. Once the individual becomes too dehydrated to sweat, body temperature can rise rapidly and dramatically. MANAGEMENT The management of heat induced illness is aimed at removing the cause and assisting the normal cooling mechanisms of evaporation, conduction, radiation and convection. Heat Exhaustion lie the victim down loosen and remove excessive clothing moisten the skin with a moist cloth or atomiser spray cool by fanning give water to drink if fully conscious call for an ambulance (Dial Triple Zero - 000) keep in the shade. Heat Stroke 6,7 Heat stroke is a life threatening condition : call for an ambulance (Dial Triple Zero - 000) resuscitate following ARC Basic Life Support Flow Chart Guideline 8 place the victim in a cool environment moisten the skin with a moist cloth or atomiser spray and fan repeatedly apply wrapped ice packs to neck, groin and armpits http://www.resus.org.au/policy/guidelines/section_9/heat_induced_illness.htm |