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Environmental Emergencies
This lecture and the post-test is worth 1.5 credit hours. The purpose of this lecture is to define a variety of heat- and cold-related illnesses, their causes, and their treatment. Describing and defining the mechanisms that lead to heat loss or heat gain – mainly imbalance between the two -- the author lists seven main heat-related diseases, and who is at risk for them. Predisposing factors include obesity, skin disorders, medications, age and exercise. Focusing on heat cramps and heat exhaustion, how and when they occur, and how to treat them using fluid and salt replacement, the author emphasizes the importance of rapid intervention. Using clear graphics, he describes the differences between exertional and classical heat stroke and differentiates cramps and exhaustion from heat stroke. Making this distinction is often made difficult by the fact that heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which, in turn, can lead to organ failure. Several methods of heat stroke prevention and treatment are described, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each. On the cold front, emergencies include chilblains, frostnip, frostbite, trench foot, and hypothermia, all of which are clearly defined and differentiated from one another – with frostbite especially detailed as to its classification, symptoms, and treatment – rapid rewarming without refreezing being critical in treating this condition. The author concludes with a discussion of hypothermia, its signs and symptoms, predisposing factors, and treatment (by Airway, Breathing and Circulation – ABCs) as well as the several medical conditions that influence mortality rates. |
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