cold injuries

Week 4: Monday, July 6

cold air; cold water

cold injuries occur in environments with ____ ___ and ____ _____

maintain core temperature

cold injuries occur because of the body’s inability to:

lean body composition, sex, age, race, fitness level, current medical conditions

list some risk factors of cold injury

low core temp (hypothermia), freezing injuries (frostbite, frostnip) nonfreezing injuries (chilblains, trenchfoot)

list the three categories of cold injuries

hypothermia

decreased core temperature is termed as:

frostbite and frostnip

what are the freezing injuries of the extremities

chilblains and trenchfoot

what are the nonfreezing injuries of the extremities

35 C, (95 F)

hypothermia is classified as a core body temperature of below:

mild: 32-35
moderate: 28-32
severe: <28

list the three classifications of hypothermia and their body temperature ranges (degrees C)

shivering, numbness, slurred speech, poor coordination, confusion

what are some signs and symptoms of mild hypothermia

violent shivering, shivering stops, stumbling, apathy, slow pulse/respirations

what are some signs and symptoms of moderate hypothermia

unconsciousness, very slow/irregular pulse, arrhythmias

what are some signs and symptoms of severe hypothermia

65; 50

___% of heat is lost through radiation (head and neck __%)

77-85

death is imminent when body temp falls below __-__ degrees F

frostnip

reversible freezing of superficial skin layers

frostbite

freezing of skin and deeper tissues that can cause permanent damage

shelter, dry, gentle handling, warm fluids if alert, document, refer

list the key do’s in treating frostbite

rubbing, massaging, using dry heat/fire, pop blisters, walk on frostbitten feet, rewarm if refreezing is at risk

list the key don’t’s in treating frostbite

Chilblains

a nonfreezing injury of the extremities that is from repeated exposure to cold, damp conditions, causing inflammation of small blood vessels in the skin

itching, burning pain, redness to bluish-purple patches, swelling and tenderness, blistering, ulceration

list some common signs and symptoms of chilblains

trenchfoot

a non-freezing injury of the extremities that is due to prolonged exposure to cold and wet conditions that causes blood vessels in the feet to constrict

vasodilation; vasoconstriction

chilblains is _____ of the capillaries and trenchfoot is ______ of the capillaries

Raynaud’s syndrome

bilateral episodes of spasms in the digital blood vessels in response to emotion or cold exposure
the digits become pale, cold, and numb and is followed by hyperemia with redness, throbbing pain, and swelling

extreme cold watch

this is issued when dangerously cold air, with or without wind, is possible

extreme cold warning

this is issued when dangerously cold air, with or without wind, is expected

appropriate clothing, avoiding exposure, be aware of predisposing factors

list prevention methods for cold injuries

remove cold/wet clothing, gentle rewarming (no rub, not hot water), use assessment methods to determine if EMS should be called

list general treatment methods for cold injuries

tachycardia; hyperventilation

the body compensates for elevation increase through ____ and _____

maximum oxygen uptake

as elevation increases, ______ _____ _____ decreases, resulting in a decrease in performance

acute mountain sickness

occurs when you jump from sea level to 7000-8000 feet and experience headache, nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbance, and dyspnea after arriving

7000-8000

acute mountain sickness can occur when jumping from sea level to _____-____ feet

sodium potassium imbalance

acute mountain sickness is caused by a brain disruption associated with _____ ______ _____ resulting in fluid retention and cellular pressure changes