Environmental Injury and Wilderness Medicine

These flashcards cover key terms and their definitions related to environmental injuries and wilderness medicine as discussed in the lecture.

Cold Injury

Injuries occurring when the body's temperature drops below normal due to exposure to cold temperatures.

Hypothermia

A condition where the core body temperature falls below 35°C, which can occur through various stages of cold exposure.

Frostbite

A freezing injury characterized by damage to body tissues due to extreme cold, occurring in stages from mild to severe.

Heat Exhaustion

A heat-related illness that can occur from prolonged exposure to high temperatures, leading to a core body temperature of less than 40°C.

Heat Stroke

A severe heat-related illness where the body's temperature rises above 40°C and the central nervous system is involved.

Trench Foot

A condition caused by prolonged exposure of the feet to wet and cold conditions, which can lead to tissue damage.

Stage I Hypothermia

Defined by a body temperature between 32-35°C; the individual is typically alert.

Stage II Hypothermia

Characterized by impaired consciousness and a body temperature between 28-32°C, requiring active rewarming.

Stage III Hypothermia

Occurs with unconsciousness and a body temperature below 28°C, requiring airway management and active rewarming.

Stage IV Hypothermia

Involves cardiac arrest with severe hypothermia; advanced life support measures are needed.

Cooling Techniques

Methods such as cold water immersion and cardiac bypass used to treat heat-related illnesses like heat stroke.