Module 10 Overexposure to heat & cold

Transcription

1 VISUAL 10 Module 10 Overexposure to heat & cold The human body has a normal core temperature (i.e. the temperature of the vital organs) of around 37 C and the body tries to maintain a temperature between C in order to function normally. Burns will occur when the body is exposed to extreme heat or extreme cold. Other heat related injuries such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur at normal environmental temperatures. Exposure to cold can cause hypothermia, which, like severe burns and heat stroke, can be life threatening.

2 First Aid Instructor PowerPoint by John Lippmann & David Natoli J. Lippmann & D. Ntli2007 Natoli, All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without the prior written permission from the authors. Lippmann, John. Published by J.L. Publications, a Division of Submariner Publications P/L, ABN PO Box 387 Ashburton, Vic. 3147, Australia. Tel/Fax: ; jlpubs@bigpond.net.au Acknowledgements The authors wish to sincerely thank the following people for their contributions and editorial comments: Dr. David Pescod, Assoc. Prof. John Williamson, Prof. Vic Callanan, Assoc. Prof. Julian White, Dr. Peter Sullivan, Tony Walker and Mick Jackson. Published for the Royal Life Saving Society Australia Suite 6 Level Broadway (cnr Mountain St), Broadway NSW 2007 Tel Fax Royal Life Saving Society Australia wishes to acknowledge the contribution to this publication of RLSS New South Wales through Operations Manager Michael Ilinsky. Royal Life Saving wishes to acknowledge the dedicated and professional team of staff and volunteers who will use this valuable first aid publication to train and assesscommunity lifesavers in schools, communities, corporates and across various industries almost every day.

3 VISUAL 10.1 Burns Burns can easily cause damage to the skin Source of the burn and the duration of the exposure will determine the amount of damage done When epidermis i and dermis have been breached infection is likely If area is deep and largeenough enough, the resultant fluid loss and associated pain can cause life threatening shock Damage of respiratory structures, infection, chemical changes, and kidney problems can lead to further injury or death.

4 VISUAL 10.2 Burns source There eeae are many ydifferent e tsources of burns, which include: Flame Hot objects Hot air or gas Hot water and steam Chemical Radiation Electrical Cold (cryogenic).

5 VISUAL 10.3 Burns classification Relates to the surface area of the burned body part(s) and the depth of the burn(s) Method generally used to calculate the surface area of a burn in adults is the Wallace Rule of 9 s. Because body proportions in children vary, another method (the Lund and Browder Chart ) is used for calculating the surface area involved.

6 VISUAL 10.4 Burns ambulance attendance Ambulance attendance is recommended for: A flame or scald burn the size of the victim s palm or larger Any flame or scald burn involving the hands, face, neck, perineum or genitals Any chemical burns Any electricalburns Any burns with suspected respiratory tract involvement Suspected smokeinhalation (possible internalburns to respiratory tract).

7 VISUAL 10.5 Superficial Burns Burns categories Partial lthickness Burn Full Thickness Burn

8 VISUAL 10.6 Burns SIGNS & SYMPTOMS Superficial Redness Pain Partial Severe pain Redness Weeping from burn Blistering Full Painless Cracked and dry appearance White or charred in colour TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT General Dangers. These include not only flames or chemicals, but also any noxious gases emitted. Rescuers should not expose themselves or bystanders to these dangers. Remove victim to a safe environment. Conduct a Primary Survey and act accordingly. Arrange medical aid, as appropriate. Immediately cool the affected area with water for up to 20 minutes. Only the affected areas should be cooled due to the danger of overcooling the victim. This is of greater concern with infants and small children. Remove all rings, watches and other jewellery from the affected area. Elevate burnt limbs where feasible. Cover the burnt area with a clean, sterile lint free dressing. Do not; Peel off adherent clothing Burst blisters Applyointments or lotions

9 VISUAL 10.7 Thermal burns flame & scald Remove any covering material, especially if no water for flushing is available Ensure no hot water is trapped within victim s skin folds (especially children) Continue to cool site

10 VISUAL 10.8 Inhalation Inhalation of hot gases or flame can cause burns along the respiratory tract which can result in swelling andpossible airway obstruction. In addition, smoke inhalation can result in respiratory distress, and inhalation of toxic gases can cause a variety it of problems. Respiratory involvement should be assumed in the event of facial burns, singed nasal hairs, soot around the mouth or in victims presenting with hoarseness, or who have been removed from a smoke filled environment. Seek urgent medical aid. Conduct a Primary Survey and act accordingly. Provide supplemental oxygen if able.

11 VISUAL 10.9 Electrical burns The type, severity and treatment of an electrical burn will depend dlargely l on the voltage of the burn source. Sources of such burns include lightning strikes, powerlines and industrial power sources where high voltages are stored and transmitted. Electrical burns are characterised by entry and exit wounds which may appear minimal. However the electricity may have passed through hand damaged internal organs resulting in: No breathing Irregular orno heartbeat Damage to internal muscles and tissues Fractures.

12 VISUAL Electrical burns After dealing with dangers, it is imperative to complete the Primary Survey due to the possibility of cardiac arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation. Avoid/neutralise electrical and other dangers. Conduct a Primary Survey and act accordingly. Arrange medical aid, as required. Treat the burn as appropriate.

13 VISUAL Chemical Sources of chemical burns include TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT household cleaning agents, pool or spa chemicals, gardening and farm After considering and dealing with any sprays, car batteries and various dangers (i.e. the donning of protective industrials. Inworkplaces workplaces, a Material coverings) g) the first aider should remove Data Safety Sheet or equivalent any contaminated clothing from the victim. If powered chemical is present, it should be kept with stored chemicals. should be brushed from the victim s skin This supplies specific information about the chemical itself and the actions to be taken in the event of a mishap. and clothes prior to flushing the area with copious quantities of fresh, cool water for minutes. Avoid / neutralise any dangers Brush any powdered chemical off the victim Flush with fresh, cool water for minutes

14 VISUAL Hypothermia is most often associated with alpine environments. The victim can quickly lose heat if they are not well insulated, and heat loss will be accelerated in windy conditions. Aquatic environments are also potentially dangerous as heat is conducted away from the body around 25 times faster in water compared to air. Hypothermia can also occur in the urban environment where a victim may be lying on a cold surface for an extended period of time. Hypothermia Submariner Publications 2006

15 Hyperthermia Heat exhaustion/heat stroke VISUAL Heat exhaustion usually occurs in a hot environment where the victim is exercising and / or over insulated. With heat exhaustion, the body s normal cooling mechanisms are not coping adequately. The victim s blood volume is reduced through excessive sweating. In addition, circulation to the skin is increased to assist cooling, resulting in a decrease in circulation to the vital organs and leading to shock. If heat production continues, sweating will eventually cease from lack of body fluid and the body temperature will rapidlyincrease increase. This is known as heat stroke. The high temperatures cause organs such as the brain, heart and kidneys to fail. This is a serious medical emergency as irreversible neurological damage or death can occur quickly without progressing through heat exhaustion.

16 Hypothermia signs & symptoms VISUAL Mild: Maximum m shivering Pale, cool skin Poor coordination Slurred speech Usually responsive, but with apathy and slowed thinking. Moderate: Most shivering ceases Increased muscle rigidity Consciousness clouded Pulse and respiration slow and difficult to detect. Severe: Progressive loss of responsiveness Heartbeat irregularities may develop Pupils fixed and dilated Mayappear appear dead.

17 Hypothermia treatment & VISUAL Mild: management Change into dry clothes if possible Protect from elements Warm, sweet drinks (no alcohol or caffeine). Seek medical advice if victim does not improve rapidly. Moderate to Severe: If responsive: Seek urgent medical assistance Handle victim iti gently Lay victim down flat Insulate from environment Cover with blankets, clothing Monitor victim s vital signs Warm, sweet drinks if victim is responsive, stable and can swallow Do not rub or massage Do not give alcoholic or caffeinated fluids Do not expose to excessive heat e.g. fire, heater.

18 VISUAL If unresponsive: Seek urgent medical assistance Handle victim gently Lay victim iti down flat Conduct a Primary Survey Commence CPR if required ed and dcontinue until relieved eeed by medical aid Insulate from environment Providesupplemental oxygen if available.

19 VISUAL Hyperthermia SIGNS & SYMPTOMS Heat Exhaustion Heat Stroke Weak, rapid pulse Dry, red, hotskin Profuse sweating Sweating stops / no sweating Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea Rapid, strong pulse which Headache, dizzinessi may later become slow Muscle cramps Convulsions Thirst Altered responsiveness Flushed or pale skin Unresponsiveness

20 VISUAL Hyperthermia treatment & management Heat Exhaustion Conduct a Primary Purvey Lay victim down Protect from environment Provide sips of cool fluids Cool victim s body Seek medical advice Heat Stroke Seek urgent medical assistance Lay victim down Conduct a Primary Survey and act accordingly Cool victim s body rapidly. Wetting the person with cold water and fanning them will increase evaporative heat loss. Ice/coldpacks can be placed under the armpits, in the groin and around the neck. Monitor victim s vital signs Provide sips of cool fluids if responsive and can swallow Provide supplemental oxygen if available