PowerPoint Presentation

MountainSafetyPicture: Trolltunga (Trolls Tongue), Skjeggedal, Norway. http://www.supertightstuff.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/trolltungasit.jpg1MS 1_6:FA Basics (Dehydration & Heat Illnesses)

Learning Intention:

To equip you with the knowledge to avoid and treat heat illnesses.

Success Criteria:By the end of this session everyone should be able to: Describe what steps to take to avoid, recognise and treat heat-related illnesses when walking.

Activities:Discussion/Powerpoint:- What is a heat illness?- What can you do to avoid them?- How should you treat them?2. Scenario

What is a heat illness?http://content.cxnx.net/chamonix.net/2569.jpg6Heat rashSunburnHeat crampsHeat exhaustionHeat strokeHeat Illnesses (Hyperthermia)SeverityAmerican Meteorological Society Central North Carolina Chapter April 21, 2005

Source: Hartfield, Gail (NOAA/NWS) www.erh.noaa.gov/rah/heat/heat_2005.ppt7First Aid: Practice good personal hygiene; keep the skin clean and the pores unclogged, allow skin to dry, wear loose clothing. Heat Rash (prickly heat)

Symptoms: Skin becomes reddened and may itch, feel prickly or hurt.

Source: www.osach.ca/new/OHCOWHumidex/ManagingHeatStress.ppt8First Aid: Move into shade or cover minor burns with light cloth, frequent sips of water, cool skin by sponging with water, apply after-sun. SunburnSymptoms: Skin becomes reddened, pain, blistering in severe cases.

Symptoms: Cramping of either active muscles (arms, legs) or involuntary (usually abdominal) muscles (or both).

First Aid: Replenish electrolytes through drinking of fluids such as sports drinks etc. Rest in a cool environment.Heat Cramps:

Source: www.osach.ca/new/OHCOWHumidex/ManagingHeatStress.ppt10Symptoms: Nausea, dizziness, weakness headache, blurred vision, profuse sweating, cold/wet (clammy) grayish skin, unconsciousness, coma and death.

First Aid: Lie down in a cool location, administer fluids if conscious. If unconscious, seek medical care. Heat Exhaustion:

Source: www.osach.ca/new/OHCOWHumidex/ManagingHeatStress.ppt (Modified)11Symptoms: Chills, restlessness, irritability, euphoria, red face and skin, disorientation, hot/dry skin (not always), collapse, unconsciousness, convulsions and death.

First Aid: Immediate, aggressive cooling of the victims body using wet cloths, immersion into cold water or alcohol wipes. Contact emergency services ASAP! Heat Stroke:

Source: www.osach.ca/new/OHCOWHumidex/ManagingHeatStress.ppt (Modified)12

Avoidancehttp://content.cxnx.net/chamonix.net/2569.jpg13 Remove clothing layers Stop & rest Drink little & often to avoid dehydration Move into shade Sun-hat and or sun-screen14Dehydrationfluid losstime*effect & symptoms (* timing may vary based on intensity of exercise and heat/humidity)0.75 L1 hrunnoticed (at 1.5% weight loss you are considered dehydrated)1.5 L2-3 hrsloss of endurance, start to feel thirsty, feel hot, uncomfortable2.25 L3-4 hrsloss of strength, loss of energy, moderate discomfort3 L4-5 hrscramps, headaches, extreme discomfort3.5-4 L5-6 hrsheat exhaustion, nausea, faint5+ L7+ hrsheat stroke, collapse, unconsciousnesstaken from: OH&S Canada Volume 69, Number 5, page 52, May 2000

Source: www.osach.ca/new/OHCOWHumidex/ManagingHeatStress.ppt (Modified)15What to drink:Water is the best; juices are also good (juices contain energy restoring glucose).

Electrolyte (sports) drinks (e.g. Powerade) are usually not needed (but can be used for first aid for cramps).

Stay away from caffeinated carbonated, diet drinks and alcohol as they take water out of your body.

16Source: www.osach.ca/new/OHCOWHumidex/ManagingHeatStress.ppt (Modified)How Much Water is Enough?More than you want just to satisfy your thirst

Sources of water are:1. Fluids pint = 250 mL every 30-60 min2. Foods - fruit & veggies are 90% water

Not too cold

Source: www.osach.ca/new/OHCOWHumidex/ManagingHeatStress.ppt (Modified)

17You can and should replace essential elements lost during sweating; Eat a balanced diet rather than taking salt tablets or drinking expensive sports drinks.Eat Healthily

18Increased sweating causes your body to lose vital vitamins and minerals, especially potassium and calcium, which the body needs to repair working muscles. You replace these essential elements through a balanced diet. Smaller, more frequent and balanced meals provide you with what you need for healthy heart and muscle activity during the hot summer months. Salt tablets and expensive sports drinks are poor substitutes for a balanced diet. If you have to skip breakfast or another meal, grab a banana, carrot or handful of raisins to supply some of the essential potassium you will need while you work.Source: www.osach.ca/new/OHCOWHumidex/ManagingHeatStress.ppt

Watch out for each other!Someone heading into a heat stroke will no longer realise what is happening to him/her

It is vital that group members be able to recognise what is happening and intervene

Without quick attention, the person may die!

Source: www.osach.ca/new/OHCOWHumidex/ManagingHeatStress.ppt (Modified)

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Treatmenthttp://content.cxnx.net/chamonix.net/2569.jpg20General advice: Lie down in shade Remove outer clothing Sip water Cool with damp cloth, especially head & neck21Questions?22