Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 5-15. Arm sling.
Strains
Muscle strains (“pulled” muscles) can be very painful. Apply cold compresses at once, and el-
evate the limb to control swelling. If pain begins to recede, apply heat after 24 hours. If the
muscle does not improve in one to two days, seek medical attention.
Heat-Related Trauma
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's heat-regulating mechan-
isms are overloaded and simply stop working. When the body stops sweating due to heat
stroke, brain damage or death may rapidly occur, so it is absolutely critical that the victim's
body temperature is rapidly reduced. Signs and symptoms are hot, red skin; very small pupils;
and elevated body temperature. If the person was exercising, they may still be wet with sweat,
but often there is a peculiar lack of sweat. Body temperature will be above normal, and if it ex-
ceeds 105˚F, brain damage and death may occur.
Call EMS immediately, get the victim out of the sun and heat, soak the body in a cool bath
if available, or keep the victim wet and fan to promote cooling. Care for shock, and give noth-
ing by mouth until EMS arrives.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is much more common and less dangerous than heatstroke. Heat exhaustion
typically occurs when people are working hard or exercising in hot, humid conditions where
the person's sweat is not sufficient to adequately cool the body. Fluid loss due to dehydration,
usually from heavy sweating, causes a decrease in blood flow to vital organs, resulting in a
form of shock.
The signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are cool, pale, and moist skin; heavy sweating;
dilated pupils; headache; nausea; dizziness; and vomiting. Body temperature should be near
normal.
Get the victim out of the sun and heat, cool the person immediately, and treat for shock.
Use cold packs (placing a towel between the skin and cold pack), a fan, a cool bath, wet towels
and sheets, etc. Lay the victim on his or her back with elevated feet and give a half glass of wa-
ter every fifteen minutes (if the person is fully conscious and can handle it without vomiting).
The person should feel much better within a half hour.
