Expose the victim to a fan or air-conditioner
since drafts will promote cooling.
Immersing the victim in a cold water bath is also
effective.
Give the victim (if conscious) cool water to
drink. Do not give any hot drinks or stimulants.
Get the victim to a medical facility as soon as
possible. Cooling measures must be continued
while the victim is being transported.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
Heat exhaustion (heat prostration or heat collapse)
is the most common condition caused by working or
exercising in hot spaces. Heat exhaustion produces a
serious disruption of blood flow to the brain, heart, and
lungs. This disruption of blood flow causes the victim to
experience weakness, dizziness, headache, loss of
appetite, and nausea.
Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion. Signs
and symptoms of heat exhaustion are similar to those of
shock: for example—
The victim will appear ashen gray; the skin cold,
moist, and clammy.
The pupils of the eyes may be dilated (enlarged).
The vital signs (blood pressure, temperature,
pulse, and respiration) usually are normal;
however, the victim may have a weak pulse
together with rapid and shallow breathing.
Body temperature may be below normal.
Treatment of heat exhaustion. To treat heat
exhaustion victims, you should treat them as if they
were in shock.
Loosen the clothing; apply cool, wet cloths.
Move the victim to either a cool or an
air-conditioned area, and fan the victim.
Do not allow the person to become chilled.
If the victim is conscious, administer a solution
of 1 teaspoon of salt dissolved in a quart of cool
water.
If the victim vomits, don’t give any more fluids.
Transport the victim to a medical facility as soon
as possible.
REVIEW 7 QUESTIONS
Q1. List the three most important signs of heatstroke.
a.
b.
c.
Q2. List the three most important signs of heat
exhaustion.
a.
b.
c.
Q3. What is the most important action when treating
someone who is showing signs of heatstroke or
heat exhaustion?
Q4. True or false. In case of heatstroke/heat
exhaustion, you should transport the victim to a
medical facility as soon as possible.
FRACTURES, SPRAINS, AND STRAINS
Learning Objectives: When you finish this chapter,
you will be able to—
14-20
Student Notes:
