Substance Abuse, Anaphylactic Reactions, Environmental Injuries, and Heat Related Illnesses

Flashcards about substance abuse, patient assessment, environmental injuries and heat related illnesses

Signals of alcohol withdrawal

Confusion and restlessness, Unusual behavior, Hallucinations, Gross tremor of hands, Profuse sweating, Hypertension, Tachycardia

Patient Assessment for substance abuse

Airway maintenance, suctioning, positioning of the patient, provide oxygen and assist respirations, rigid-tip suction device

Uppers

Stimulants that affect the nervous system and excite the user (e.g., caffeine, amphetamines, cocaine)

Downers

Have a depressant effect on the central nervous system (e.g., barbiturates, Rohypnol ("Roofies"), GHB)

Narcotics

Capable of producing stupor or sleep and are often used to relieve pain (e.g., codeine, OxyContin, heroin); overdose characterized by coma, pinpoint pupils, and respiratory depression

Hallucinogens

Mind affecting drugs that act on the nervous system to produce an intense state of excitement or distortion of the user's perceptions (e.g., LSD, PCP, types of mushrooms, ecstasy)

Volatile chemicals

Produce vapors that can be inhaled; give initial "rush" and then act as a depressant (e.g., cleaning fluid, glue, model cement)

"Designer drugs"

Chemicals that resemble traditional drugs, but have a slight difference in the molecular formula or composition

Signs of Withdrawal

Shaking, anxiety, nausea, confusion and irritability, hallucinations, profuse sweating, increased pulse and breathing rates

Anaphylactic reactions

A natural response of the human body's immune system is to react to any foreign substance in order to get rid of it.

Signs and symptoms of allergic reaction and anaphylactic shock

Itching, hives, flushing, swelling of face, neck, hands, feet, or tongue, warm, tingling feeling Skin, tightness in throat or chest, cough, rapid breathing, labored, noisy breathing

Signs and symptoms of shock

increased pulse, increased respirations, decreased blood pressure

Hyperthermia

elevated body core temperature;Sweating primary mechanism

Heat Rash

skin irritation caused by heat stress exposure. It usually appears as red bumps on the neck, groin area, or under the arms

Heat Cramps

painful cramps, usually affecting the extremities and abdomen; reducing the intensity of exercise or ceasing physical activity

Heat Stroke

Medical Emergency: Rapid cooling of the body and medical attention is vital to survival.

Treatment: Heat Related Injuries

Administer 02; Loosen and/or remove clothing; Cool by fanning; Apply cool packs to neck, groin, and axillary regions

Dry-Bulb (DB) Temperature

prevailing air temperature measured with an ordinary alcohol-in-glass thermometer whose bulb is kept dry and shielded from radiation

Wet Bulb (WB) Temperature

measured with a thermometer, similar to that used for DB temperature, except that a wet wick is fitted closely over the bulb (or sensor).

Green Flag (WBGT Index of 80°F to 84.9°F)

Heavy exercises for un-acclimated personnel shall be conducted with caution and under constant supervision. Organized PT evolutions in boots and utilities are allowed for all personnel.

Black Flag (WBGT Index of 90°F and above)

All strenuous outdoor physical activity that is not essential (including organized or unorganized PT) mission accomplishment shall be halted for all units.