Climate Related Injuries Ian Stickel 11th Grade Health

About Heat Illnesses  Causes  Dehydration  Over activity  Hot environments  Humid environments

The Body’s Reaction to Heat  During exercise the body attempts to maintain homeostasis by  dilating blood vessels near the surface of the body to move heat away from vital organs  excreting sweat through pores  the evaporating sweat carries heat away from the body  In temperate and manageable conditions this will effectively keep the body temperature down.

The Body’s Reaction to Heat Cont.  This method of cooling becomes ineffective when,  the body is dehydrated and can’t sweat properly  the air in the environment is too humid, and sweat can’t evaporate off the body  the environment is too hot and sweating can not cope with the intense heat  When the body fails to cope with the heat, heat related illnesses can occur

Stages of Heat Illnesses  Heat Rash  Heat Cramps  Heat Exhaustion  Heat Stroke  Stages go in order of severity but are not dependent on each other when they occur.  For example you can have a heat stoke without ever having a heat rash.

Heat Rash Symptoms  Clusters of red bumps on skin  Skin irritation Care  Keep affected area dry  Move to cooler area  Drink water

Heat Cramps Symptoms  Muscle Spasms  Pain in muscles  Usually affects arms, legs, or abdomen Care  Rest in cooler area  Drink water or other cool beverages  Wait at least an hour before returning to activity  Seek medical attention if cramps don’t go away

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms  Heavy sweating  Headache  Nausea, vomiting  Lightheaded, Dizziness  Weakness  Thirst  Fast heart beat Care  Sit or lie down in cool area  Drink plenty of water  Use cold compresses or ice packs on affected person

Heat Stroke Symptoms  Confusion  Fainting  Seizures  Excessive Sweating  Very High Body Temp. Care  Call 911  Move person to cool or shady area  Loosen clothing, remove outer layers of clothing  Apply ice packs, cool compresses  Hydrate person with water  Stay there until help arrives

Review of Heat Related Illness  All different levels of severity  Each level not dependent on the last  Move affected person to cooler area  Hydrate the person  Call 911 if seizures or fainting occur  Be mindful of your environment  If it is too hot or humid, limit activity

About Cold Related Illness Causes  Poor preparation  Exposed skin  Extended amounts of time in cold elements  Excessively cold and or windy conditions  Wet clothing or environment

The Body’s Reaction to The Cold  Hairs will be raised in affected areas, “Goosebumps”, to attempt to block the skin from the wind and trap heat around the body.  The body will constrict blood vessels near the surface to reduce heat loss through skin.  The body will involuntarily contract muscle groups in an attempt to produce heat.  This reaction is commonly known as shivering and includes chattering teeth.

Cold Related Illnesses Hypothermia  State in which body is cooler than 95 degrees F and is losing heat faster than it can produce it.  Occurs in different worsening stages  Mild  Moderate  Severe

Mild Hypothermia Symptoms  Shivering  Dizziness  Faster breathing  Trouble speaking  Increased heart rate  Slight Confusion Treatment  Calmly remove person out of cold  Remove wet clothing when applicable  Dry victims body  Provide warm beverages  DO NOT apply direct heat (too much heat too soon can cause damage to skin)

Moderate to Severe Hypothermia Symptoms  Sudden stop of shivering without heating victim  Slurred speech or mumbling  Poor decision making like removing warm clothing  Lack of concern for ones condition  Weak pulse  Shallow breathing Treatment  Remove person from cold  Call 911  Monitor breathing  Share body heat  Use warm dry compresses

Frostbite  Localized effect of cold on the body  Warm blood pulled away from extremities to keep core safe and warm (body would sacrifice whole limbs to ensure survival)  Body tissue freezes and ruptures causes bruising and discoloration

Frostbite Treatment Frostnip  DO NOT rub the area or run under HOT water, this can cause further damage  Get out of the cold  Slowly warm affected area using heat from armpits or warm water Deep Frostbite  If skin blisters seek medical attention immediately  Get out of cold as soon as possible  Attempt to warm area as quickly as you can  If available apply antibiotic to effected area

Why Don’t Polar Animals Freeze? Fur coats  Some cold weather animals have thick fur coats to create warm layers air between them and their environments. Insulating fat  Another adaptation for fighting the cold is fat.  Since fat doesn’t transfer heat well, some animals can survive the cold by having a multiple inch think layer of fat to protect their vital organs.

Risk Factors Climate Illnesses  Alcohol  Dehydrates the body.  Dilates surface blood vessels.  Inhibits ability to make sound decisions.  Medical history  Body fat %, diabetes, heart conditions, ect… all can have major effects.  Extreme climates  Avoid playing or working in environments that are excessively hot, humid, cold, or windy.  Use good judgment on when it is safe to engage in activity and when it is smart to stop.

Closing Question  Why might the body fail to maintain homeostasis during an outdoor basketball game? Why might the body fail to maintain homeostasis during an outdoor basketball game?  How might body fat % effect the rate at which heat related and cold related illnesses occur? How might body fat % effect the rate at which heat related and cold related illnesses occur?  You get a severe cramp in your leg while playing soccer in the sun, what should you do? You get a severe cramp in your leg while playing soccer in the sun, what should you do?  True/False If you stop shivering while skiing, it is because it has gotten warmer and you don’t need to rest in the lodge to warm up. True/False If you stop shivering while skiing, it is because it has gotten warmer and you don’t need to rest in the lodge to warm up.

Thank you,