Jackson and Tom

HYPERTHERMIA
What is it?

An elevated body temperature due to failed

thermoregulation that occurs when the body produces or
absorbs more heat than it can release.

Give water to the student if they are fully

conscious and able to swallow
Seek urgent medical attention if the patient has
a seizure
( St Johns, 2016)

Prevention
Stages of hyperthermia
Heat exhaustion:
Is the first stage of hyperthermia and can rapidly develop
into heat stroke if not treated immediately. Heat
exhaustion usually occurs during or after physical activity.

Heat Stroke:
Is a milder form of heat-related illnesses e.g. heat
exhaustion, but can strike even if you have no previous
signs of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke results from a
prolonged exposure to high temperatures, usually in
combination with dehydration, which then leads to failure
of the bodys temperature control system.
Mild Symptoms

Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Cramps/ fatigue
Thirsty
Rapid breathing/ shortness of breath

Drink plenty of water and have sufficient fluids

Wear a hat
Drink less tea, coffee, alcohol to avoid
dehydration
Wear lightweight, light coloured and loose fitting
clothing easy breathing fabric
Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide
Physical activity before 10am and after 4pm
(Australia Wide First Aid, 2016)

What to look out for on camp?

Monitor kids energy levels and sound produced

Moderating breaks
Making sure they have sufficient clothing
Minimal Kit

If its darker than straw, drink some more!

Extreme symptoms

High temperature >40 celcius

Pounding rapid pulse
Life threatning illness
Mental confusion
Seizure

Body Temperature

Reference List

Mild Hypothermia 32-36 degrees Celsius

Normal 36.5 37.5 degrees Celsius
Mild Hyperthermia 37.6 38.7 degrees Celsius
Extreme Hyperthermia > 38.8 degrees Celsius

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/heat-stroke/basics/treatment/con20032814

Risk Factors

Age
Exertion in hot weather
Medications
Health conditions
High blood pressure and poor circulation

Treatment for heat exhaustion

Move the student to lie down in a cool place with

circulating air
Loosen tight clothing and or remove
unnecessary garments
Sponge the patient with cool water
Give the conscious student water/ fluids
Seek medical attention if the student vomits or
doesnt recover quickly
(St Johns, 2016)

Treatment for heat stroke

Follow DRSABCD
Apply cold packs or wrapped ice to the students
neck and armpits
Cover the student with a wet sheet (t-shirt)
Call 000 and ask for Ambulance

Wilmore, J., & Costill, D. (2004). Physiology of

sport and exercise (3rd ed.). Champaign, IL:
Human Kinetics.
Mayoclinic.org,. (2015). Heatstroke Treatments
and drugs - Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 28 August
2015, from

The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne,.

(2014). Clinical Guidelines (Nursing) :
Temperature Management. Rch.org.au.
Retrieved 7 August 2015, from
http://www.rch.org.au/rchcpg/hospital_clinical_g
uideline_index/Temperature_Management/

Snowbrains.com,. 'French Couple Dies Hiking

New Mexican Desert | 9-Year Old Son Survives
- Snowbrains.Com'. N.p., 2015. Web. 4 Sept.
2015.