Page 129 - Participant Manual

First Aid Care for Heat Exhaustion

Move the person to a cooler environment with circulating air. Loosen or remove as much
clothing as possible and apply cool, wet cloths to the person’s skin or spray the person
with cool water. Fanning the person may also help by increasing evaporative cooling. If the
person is responsive and able to swallow, have the person drink a cool electrolyte- and
carbohydrate-containing fluid (such as a commercial sports drink, coconut water or milk).
Give water if none of these are available. Do not let the person drink too quickly. Encourage
the person to rest in a comfortable position, and watch carefully for changes in his or her
condition. Call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number if the person’s condition does
not improve. The person should wait for several hours after he or she is no longer having
signs and symptoms to resume activity.

If the person is unable to take fluids by mouth, has a change in level of consciousness or
vomits, call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number, because these are indications that
the person’s condition is getting worse. Stop giving fluids and place the person in the recovery
position. Keep the person lying down and continue to take steps to lower the person’s body
temperature. Monitor the person for signs and symptoms of breathing problems and shock.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the least common but most severe heat-related illness. It occurs when the body’s cooling
system is completely overwhelmed and stops working. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency.

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke

The person will have mental status changes (such as confusion or loss of consciousness) and may have
trouble seeing or a seizure. The person’s skin will be hot to the touch. It may be wet or dry and appear red or
pale. The person may vomit. The person’s breathing may be rapid and shallow, and his or her heartbeat may
be rapid and weak.

First Aid Care for Heat Stroke

Send someone to call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number immediately. While you wait for help to
arrive, take steps to rapidly cool the person’s body. The preferred way of doing this is to immerse the person
up to his or her neck in cold water, if you can do this safely. Alternatively, place ice water–soaked towels
over the person’s entire body, rotating the towels frequently. If bags of ice are available, place these on the
person’s body, over the towels. If you are not able to measure and monitor the person’s temperature, apply
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rapid cooling methods for 20 minutes or until the person’s condition improves or EMS personnel arrive. Give
care as needed for other conditions that you find.

Cold-Related Illnesses

and Injuries

Exposure illnesses and injuries can also result from
exposure to cold temperatures (Box 7-1).

Hypothermia

In hypothermia, the body loses heat faster
than it can produce heat, causing the core
body temperature to fall below 95° F (35° C).
Hypothermia can result from exposure to cold

Chapter 7 Environmental Injuries and Illnesses | 120 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual Chapter 7 Environmental Injuries and Illnesses | 121 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual