Environmental Emergencies

Environmental emergencies refer to conditions caused by environmental factors that can jeopardize a person's health and safety.

Drowning and Water Emergencies
- Definition: Death from suffocation after submersion in water.
- Near drowning: Unresponsive or low oxygen levels but survival possible.
Heat Emergencies
- Hyperthermia: Body unable to lose excess heat.
- Heat Cramps: Painful muscle cramps due to electrolyte loss post-exercise.
- Heat Exhaustion: Cold, clammy skin; still sweating, body can regulate heat.
- Heat Stroke: Body temperature regulation fails; dry skin, high body temperature; potential organ failure.
Cold Emergencies
- Hypothermia: Core temperature drops below 95°F; can develop in colder weather regardless of temperature.
- Cold Injuries: Frostnip, frostbite, immersion foot due to prolonged exposure to cold.
Pressure Related Injuries (Scuba Diving)
- Ascent emergencies versus descent emergencies - typically related to rapid changes in pressure.
Lightning Strikes
- Can lead to cardiac arrest and serious injury; important to prioritize safety during storms.
Animal Bites/Stings
- Include incidents from spiders (e.g., black widows, brown recluse) and snakes (e.g., rattlesnakes).
- Tick bites can lead to diseases like Lyme Disease.

Physical Condition: Individuals with chronic illnesses or very young/old individuals may struggle to manage temperature extremes.
Nutrition and Hydration: Dehydration significantly increases the risk of heat emergencies.
Alcohol and Drugs: Can impair temperature regulation and awareness of environmental dangers.
Environment: Specific locations pose unique threats (e.g., cold water, exposed extremities).

Conduction: Heat transfer between solid objects, e.g., touching a cold window.
Convection: Heat loss through circulating air, like convection ovens.
Evaporation: Cooling from sweating or being wet.
Radiation: Body loses heat through surroundings.
Respiration: Breathing results in heat loss, especially in cold conditions.

Signs and Symptoms by Severity:
- Mild Hypothermia: Alert, shivering, uncomfortable, slightly elevated vital signs.
- Moderate Hypothermia: Shivering stops, decreased responsiveness, possible disrobing behavior due to vasodilation.
- Severe Hypothermia: Lethargic, heart rate can drop significantly, may not respond to pain.
Temperature Benchmarks: Core temperature is critical; emphasis on early intervention and transporting hypothermic patients safely.

Heat Cramps: Sudden painful muscle spasms, typically after exercise.
Heat Exhaustion: Cold, clammy skin, potential fainting.
Heat Stroke: Dry skin, altered mental status, requires immediate medical intervention.

Drowning Risk Factors:
- Alcohol intoxication.
- Seizure disorders.
- Unsuitable supervision (especially with children).
Drowning Treatment:
- Ensure proper stabilization and monitor vitals.
- Secure airway and provide oxygen as needed.

Ascent Emergencies: Risk of pulmonary embolism and barotrauma; often linked to breath-holding.
Decompression Sickness: Caused by rapid ascent, can result in joint pain and serious symptoms requiring hyperbaric treatment.

Risks: Severe electric shock, potential cardiac arrest.
- CPR and AED usage is critical post-strike.
Treatment: Emphasize patient monitoring for signs of severe injury just as with cardiac arrest protocols.

Black Widow Spider: Neurotoxic venom causing severe muscle cramps and possible respiratory distress, especially in vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
Brown Recluse Spider: Cytotoxic venom that can cause necrosis of flesh.
Rattlesnake Bite: Painful envenomation requiring proper medical evaluation and antivenom.
Coral Snake: Dangerous due to paralysis-inducing venom; rapid medical intervention is necessary.

Issues from Ticks: Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, characterized by distinct rashes or flu-like symptoms.
Treatment: Focus on identification and removal techniques without unnecessary risks.