ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCIES

I. Cold Emergencies

Hypothermia- exposure to extreme cold for a short time or moderate cold for a long
time.
1. Mild Hypothermia- the victim will present with cold skin and shivering and
will still be alert and oriented.
Signs and Symptoms
• Increased breathing rate
• Increased pulse rate and blood pressure
• Slow thick speech
• Staggering walk
• Apathy, drowsiness, incoherence
• Sluggish pupils
• Uncontrollable shivering
First Aid
• Check responsiveness
• Cover the victim with a warm blanket
• Apply hot compress
• Check vital signs
• Refer to a physician
•
2. Severe Hypothermia-Victim may become unresponsive. This is a true
medical emergency that can lead to death.
Signs and Symptoms
• Extremely slow breathing rate
• Extremely slow pulse rate
• Unresponsive
• Fixed and dilated pupils
• Rigid extremities
• Absence of shivering
First Aid
• Check responsiveness
• Check ABC, perform CPR if needed
• Care for shock
• Refer to a physician

II. Heat Emergencies

1. Heat Cramps- A muscular pain and spasm due largely to loss of salt from
the body in sweating or too inadequate intake of salt
Signs and Symptoms
• Muscle cramps, often in the abdomen or legs
• Heavy perspiration
• Lightheadedness; weakness
 First Aid
• Have the victim rest with his/her feet elevated.
• Cool the victim. Do not use an alcohol rub
• Give the victim electrolyte beverages to sip or make salted drink
• To relieve muscle cramps massage the affected are gently but
firmly until they relax

2. Heat Exhaustion- A response to heat characterized by fatigue, weakness,

and collapse due to inadequate intake of water to compensate for loss of
fluids through sweating
Signs and Symptoms
• Cool, pale or red, moist skin
• Dilated pupils
• Headache
• Extreme thirst
• Nausea; vomiting
• Irrational behavior
• Weakness; dizziness
• Unconsciousness
First Aid
• Have the victim rest with his/her feet elevated.
• Cool the victim.
• Give the victim electrolyte beverages to sip or make salted drink
• Monitor the victim for signs of shock
• If the victim starts having seizures, protect him/her fro injury and
give first aid for convulsions
• If the victim loses consciousness, give firs aid for unconsciousness

3. Heat Stroke- A response to heat characterized by extremely high body

temperature and disturbance of sweating mechanism
Signs and Symptoms
• Raised body temperature
• Dry , hot red skin
• Dark urine
• Small pupils
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Extreme confusion
• Weakness
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness
First Aid
• Cool the victim
• Give first aid for shock
• If the victim starts having seizure, give first aid for seizures
• Keep victim cool as you await medical help