Heat-related Illness BLS PCS Standard

What life/limb/function threats should be considered with patients experiencing a possible heat-related illness?

• heat stroke

• hypovolemic shock

What is heat syncope?

What are heat cramps?

What is heat exhaustion?

What is heat stroke?

True or false: overdose of tricyclic anti-depressants, antihistamines, beta-blockers, and/or use of illicit drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy, and amphethamine can make a patient extra susceptible to heat stroke

true

What should be assessed during a secondary assessment of a patient experiencing heat-releated illness?

• central nervous system

• mouth (state of hydration)

• skin

• extremities

• temperature

What should be noted during a skin assessment of a patient experiencing a possible heat-related illness?

• temperature

• colour

• condition

• state of hydration

True or false: do not remove heavy/excess layers of clothing of patients with a heat-related illness

false

True or false: a patient experiencing heat-related illness should be moved to a cooler environment

true

True or false: water (or any fluids with electrolytes) can be offered to the patient in small quantities under certain conditions

true

Under which conditions can a patient experiencing a possible heat-related illness be offered water/fluids?

• conscious patient

• cooperative patient

• able to understand/follow directions

• not nauseous/vomiting

Under which conditions can cooling procedures be discontinued in a patient experiencing a possible heat-related illness?

• skin temperature feels normal to touch

• generalized shivering develops

• patient’s LOC normalizes

What should be done if a working assessment indicates heat exhaustion?

• move the patient to the ambulance

• remove as much clothing as possible

What should be done if a working assessment indicates heat stroke?

• move the patient to the ambulance

• remove as much clothing as possible

• withhold oral fluids

• cover the patient with wet sheets

• apply cold packs to the axillae groin, neck, and head