exposure - hypothermia, hyperthermia
What you student's should be able to do / understand after the session:
- Knowledge that variation of body temperature by a few degrees can cause hypothermia or hyperthermia
- Knowledge of the risk to safe boat management of exposure hypothermia
- Can identify the signs of exposure hypothermia
- Understands the risks of rapid re-warming and the use of alcohol
- Knowledge of the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke
- Can treat and position a casualty with heat exhaustion appropriately
- Knowledge than heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke
- Understands that heat stroke is a serious emergency
- Can treat and position a casualty with heat stroke appropriately
What is Hypothermia?
Hypothermia is a dangerous drop in body temperature below 35°C (normal body temperature is around 37°C)
What is Hyperthermia?
Hyperthermia occurs when you have an abnormally high body temperature, or when you're overheating. A body temperature above about 37.8 °C is too warm.
Heat Exhaustion VS. Heat Stroke:
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both heat-related illnesses that can be fatal if left untreated, but they differ in severity and how they develop
Heat exhaustion
Occurs when the body loses water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. It develops gradually and is more likely to affect people who aren't used to hot, humid weather. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, and muscle cramps.
Heat stroke
Occurs when the body overheats and can't cool itself down. It's usually caused by exposure to high temperatures or physical activity in high temperatures for too long. Symptoms include a change in mental status, such as confusion, delirium, combativeness, seizures, and loss of consciousness. A core body temperature above 40°C is a primary symptom of heat stroke.
Treatment for heat exhaustion:
- Help them to lie down in a cool place and raise their legs.
- Give them lots of water to drink or isotonic sports drinks.
- Check their breathing, pulse and responsiveness.
- Suggest they get medical advice. Make a Mayday or PanPan on Ch.16 or call 999 / 112 if you are concerned.
Treatment for Heat stroke:
- Move them to a cool, shaded place and remove their outer clothing if possible.
- Make a Mayday or PanPan on Ch.16 or call 999 / 112.
- Sit the individual down and wrap them in a cool, wet sheet. If there isn’t a sheet available fan them or sponge them down with cold water to keep them cool. If available, use cold packs placed in the armpits and around the neck.
- Once their temperature seems to have gone back to normal, replace the wet sheet with a dry sheet.
- While waiting for help to arrive, keep checking their temperature, as well as their breathing, pulse and level of response.
- Be prepared to put them in the recovery position of they become unresponsive.
- If they start getting hot again, repeat the cooling process to lower their temperature.
- Occasionally, someone with heatstroke may experience seizures. Be prepared to recognise and treat these as appropriate.
