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AIMS/OBJECTIVE
1) Be able to describe thermoregulation and identify its relationship to
cold induced emergencies
2) Identify and explain the symptoms of hypothermia, frostbite, and nonfreezing cold injuries
3) Be able to apply correct treatment methods for hypothermia and other
cold related injuries
4) Describe and discuss preventative measure of hypothermia and other
cold related injuries and circumstances
WHAT IS HYPOTHERMIA
Occurs when core body temp. falls below 35 C
Body heat can be lost due to various reasons
3 tiers of severity
Contrasting Conditions (Hyperthermia)
Body temperature rises above 40 C
MYTHBUSTERS EXAMPLE
HEAT LOSS
Convection
The flow of air or liquid across skin, drawing away heat
Eg. Exposure to wind & water
Conduction
Direct transfer from the body to an object of lower temperature
Eg. Laying on cold ground/surfaces
Radiation
Radiation of heat from exposed areas of the body into the environment
Eg. Areas of exposed skin (head, hands, feet)
Evaporation
Fluid on the skin turns to vapour, drawing away heat in the process
Eg. Wet/moist skin, sweat, wet/damp clothes
ACTIVITY
Split into four groups
Patient 1
Patient 2
Patient 3
Patient 4
Each group will have a designated patient to assess and provide
appropriate first aid
Determine what severity the patients hypothermia is.
3 SEVERITIES OF HYPOTHERMIA
Mild
Moderate
Severe
MODERATE
Moderate cases of hypothermia (generally with a body temperature of 28-32C) can include symptoms
such as:
Decreasing conscious state
May have been incontinent of urine as a result of an increased workload on the kidneys related to
blood being shunted to the major organs
Slowed heart rate, breathing rate and low blood pressure.
Confusion
Impaired judgement and reasoning (someone with hypothermia may decide to remove clothing
despite being very cold)
Loss of co-ordination
Drowsiness
Slurred speech
People with a body temperature of 32C or lower will usually stop shivering completely. This is a sign
that their condition is deteriorating andemergency medical help is required
SEVERE
The symptoms of severe hypothermia (a body temperature of below
28C) can include:
unconsciousness
shallow or no breathing
a weak, irregular pulse,or no pulse
dilated pupils
Individuals with severe hypothermia may appear deceased.
Medical treatment can resuscitate people
REFRESH ACTIVITY
You our out bushwalking and come across and individual who has been
exposed to the weather overnight and are starting to show signs of
moderate hypothermia.
What are the appropriate steps that should be taken to provide
appropriate care to this individual?
REFERENCE LIST
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/hypothermia
https://www.google.com.au/search?
q=dry+bags&espv=2&biw=1680&bih=919&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKE
wjkj7eCxejOAhXMDMAKHfu7AJMQ_AUIBygC#imgrc=p1nRjJ-FbqOG8M%3A
https://www.google.com.au/search?
q=first+aid+heat+pack&espv=2&biw=1680&bih=963&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ve
d=0ahUKEwjl3LbhxOjOAhXhBsAKHaUJBaYQ_AUIBigB#imgrc=5lFpQ9Bx_ZWj9M%3A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VLZTgzUlX0