Environmental Considerations and Heat Illnesses

Flashcards about Environmental Considerations and Heat Illnesses

Conduction

Transfer of heat through direct contact.

Convection

Transfer of heat through the movement of a fluid (liquid or gas). Temperature won't adapt to body temperature as well.

Radiant Heat/Radiation

Transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves.

Heat Syncope

Fainting due to lack of blood flow or hydration.

Heat Cramps

Muscle pain or spasms due to salt imbalance/electrolyte depletion.

Heat Exhaustion

A condition caused by your body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures.

Heat Stroke

A life-threatening condition in which the body's temperature control system fails, leading to a rapid rise in body temperature.

Rectal Thermometer

The most accurate method for measuring body temperature.

Ice Cold Pack Placement for Heat Stroke

Neck, armpits, groin.

Hydration

Maintaining adequate hydration levels.

Acclimatization

The process of gradually adapting to heat exposure.

Factors that Identify Susceptible Athletes

Age, alcohol use, drug abuse, obesity, skin condition, previous heat illness.

Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer

Used to measure ambient temperature, humidity, and radiant heat.

Hypothermia

A condition in which the body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature.

Complicating factors for hypothermia

Uniforms, sweat trapped on skin, interval competition, moisture, hydration.

Physiological Response to Hypothermia

Shivering, sympathetic response, skin blood vessels constrict and heat loss is minimised.

Conserving Vital Organs

The body cuts off blood flow to non-vital parts to conserve Vital organs.

Frostbite

Caused by the body cutting off blood flow to non vital parts to conserve Vital organs.