WALKRIGHT, Second Edition – CHAPTER SIX Part 1: Medical Emergencies

CHAPTER SIX:  Medical Emergencies

            “Extreme heat index days—when heat and humidity make it difficult for the body to cool itself off—have been increasing in cities across the country.”

            - Climate Central

 

 

            Section A:  Heat Related Illnesses

 

 

            “Summer is the time when it is too hot to do the job that it was too cold to do last winter.” 

            - Mark Twain

 

 

            Heat Cramps

 

            Heat Cramps are involuntary muscle spasms caused by decreased electrolytes, dehydration, and a low blood volume.

           Immediately, get the victim out of the sunlight, resting, while drinking water.  Then, encourage him or her to stretch the affected muscle group slowly and smoothly.  If the pain and fatigue doesn’t go away within five minutes, the victim may have a sprain or strain.  Those injuries are discussed below.

 

            Heat Exhaustion

 

            Excessive perspiring will cause heat exhaustion brought on by over exertion in hot and very humid weather.  A victim of heat exhaustion has pale, cool, and clammy skin; dilated pupils, and decreased coordination.  For treatment, follow these guidelines:

 

            First, move the victim out of the sun.

 

            Second, treat for shock, and give the conscious victim a cup of cool water mixed with a teaspoon of salt.  Do not attempt to give water to an unconscious victim.

 

            Third, get the victim to medical aid as soon as possible.

 

 

            “Heatstroke is an important and useful addition to the library on climate change, bringing insights from deep-time ecological research to help illuminate the dire forecasts of which we're already so aware.”

            - David Quammen

 

 

            Heatstroke

 

 

            A life threatening health condition, heatstroke is caused by severe dehydration that stops the body’s ability to sweat, causing the body’s core temperature to rise above one hundred degrees without any sign of perspiration.  The key signs are hot or red skin, rapid pulse, rapid breathing, and constricted pupils.  Without early treatment, the victim may suffer diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, a loss of consciousness, respiratory arrest, and even heart failure.  For treatment, follow these guidelines:

 

 

            “No pro football player should die of heatstroke, any more than cholera, in this day and age if the most basic attention is paid and precautions are taken.”

            - Sally Jenkins

 

 

            First, get the victim into a cool and shaded area and remove all restrictive clothing.

 

            Second, cool the victim's body with water soaked towels and apply ice.  Give a conscious victim water to drink.  Make sure the vital signs remain stable.

 

            Third, if necessary, treat for shock, but don't apply blankets.  Get the victim to medical aid as soon as possible.

 

            The best way to prevent heatstroke is to keep hydrated with water and wear light colored, light-weight and loose-fitting clothing.  This allows air movement to reduce body heat by way of convection and evaporation of perspiration.

            The best way to prevent heat exhaustion is to avoid exposure by limiting or stopping your activities during weather that has a temperature of plus 80 degrees or above combined with a 70 percent relative humidity or more.  During hot weather, there should be no traveling during the heat of the day and any walking should be done slowly, not in a hurry.