HLTAID003 Provide First Aid - Resource

Heat stroke

This condition is not to be confused with 'sun stroke', the common ailment of headache and nausea suffered by children and careless adults who remain in the sun too long without a hat. Also known as 'core temperature emergency', with a core temperature above 40.6 ºC heat stroke is potentially life threatening. In this condition, the body's temperature regulation centre in the brain has been rendered inoperable and the body temperature continually rises, causing eventual brain damage. Immediate, active intervention is necessary to avoid coma and death.

Sign and symptoms

• Flushed, hot, dry skin
• Core temperature 40.6ºC or more
• The casualty has ceased sweating
• Rapid pulse, gradually weakening
• Irrational or aggressive behaviour
• Staggering gait, fatigue
• Visual disturbances, headache
• Vomiting
• Collapse and seizures
• Coma - death

Care and treatment

This condition is not to be confused with 'sun stroke', the common ailment of headache and nausea suffered by children and careless adults who remain in the sun too long without a hat.

Also known as 'core temperature emergency', with a core temperature above 40.6 ºC heat stroke is potentially life threatening. In this condition, the body's temperature regulation centre in the brain has been rendered inoperable and the body temperature continually rises, causing eventual brain damage. Immediate, active intervention is necessary to avoid coma and death.

• Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance
• Complete rest in shade
• Remove casualty's clothing
• Cool casualty by any means possible - ice packs to neck, groin and armpits
• Cover casualty with wet sheet and keep wet. Fan to increase cooling
• Be prepared to resuscitate as required
• Fluids can be given if casualty is fully conscious
• If unconscious or semi-conscious, nothing by mouth. Re-hydration is required by intravenous
• fluids administered by a doctor or ambulance crew

Exposure to cold

Exposure to cold has effects no less serious than exposure to heat and humidity. Remember an elderly person in an unheated house during winter that is incapacitated and unable to summon assistance, is at risk from exposure to cold and hypothermia.

There are several common situations where persons suffer from exposure to low temperatures. This includes being caught out in inclement weather during walking, being soaked in cold water and unable to change and being subject to cold winds (wind chill) without proper protection or not being able to afford adequate heating and clothing.

Sign and symptoms

• Pale, cold skin
• Increasing lethargy, drowsiness, lack of muscular co-ordination
• Uncommunicative, poor judgement
• Shivering

Care and treatment

• Warm slowly by adding additional clothing, heating source, body heat
• If wet, change the casualty's clothing if in stable environment
• If conscious, give warm, sweet drinks
• When able to stand, encourage mild exercise

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the body's control mechanisms fail to maintain a normal body temperature above 35ºC. Hypothermia results from prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.

Factors that commonly increase the risk of hypothermia include advanced or very young age, substance abuse, impaired mental status or immersion in cold water

Sign and symptoms

• Pale, cold skin - no capillary return when fingernails are pressed
• Slow pulse, sometimes irregular
• Slow, shallow respirations
• Blurred or double vision
• Casualty is silent, appears asleep, difficult to rouse; may be unconscious
• Casualty often feel that they are not ill
• Absence of shivering
• If very cold, may have non-reacting pupils and appear 'death-like'

Care and treatment

• Provide shelter from cold, rain, wet ground and wind
• Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance
• Warm casualty, wrap in blanket, 'space blanket' or move them to a warm area
• Remove cold or wet clothing as soon as possible
• Cover casualties with blankets and keep them out of the wind
• Once casualty commences shivering, reassess heating
• Be prepared for sudden collapse and resuscitation.
• If conscious, give warm, sweet drinks

Do not rub affected area.

Do not expose to excessive heat.

Do not give alcohol.

Categories of hypothermia