Cold-related emergencies

Hypothermia occurs when a victim’s entire body cools because is unable to keep warm. The victim will die if not provided care. The signs and symptoms of hypothermia include:

• shivering ,numbness or a glassy stare

• apathy, weakness or impaired judgment

• loss of consciousness

To care for hypothermia:

• gently move the victim to a warm place

• monitor the victim’s ABCs

• remove any wet clothing and dry the victim

• warm the victim by wrapping in blankets or by putting dry clothing on the victim

• if is victim alert give warm liquid to drink that do not contain alcohol or caffeine

• hot water bottles and chemical hot pack may be used

• DO NOT WARM THE VICTIM TOO QUICKLY ,RAPID WARMING MAY CAUSE

DANGEROUS HEART RHYTHMS

Frostbite is the freezing of body parts exposed to the cold. Can cause the loss of fingers, hands, arms, toes, feet and legs. Signs and symptoms include:

• -a lack of feeling in an affected area

• -skin that appears waxy, cold to the touch or discolored: flushed, white, yellow, blue

To care for frostbite:

• get the victim out of the cold

• do not attempt to re-warm the frostbitten area if there is a chance that it might refreeze or if close to a medical facility

• handle the area gently, never rub the affected area

• warm gently by soaking the affected area in warm water 37-40°C until normal color returns and the area feels warm

• loosely bandage the area with dry, sterile dressing

• avoid breaking any blisters

• take precautions to prevent hypothermia

• summon EMS personnel to seek emergency medical care as soon as possible

Head, neck and back injuries

Head, neck or back injury can be caused by entry into shallow water, fall, involving a diving boards, water slides.

Signs and symptoms:

• changes in the level of consciousness

• severe pain or pressure in the head, neck or back

• loss of balance

• partial or complete loss of movement of any body area

• tingling or loss of sensation in the hands, fingers, feet or toes

• persistent headache

• unusual bumps, bruises or depressions on the head neck or back

• seizures

• blood or other fluids in the ears or nose

• bruising of the head, around eyes and behind the ears

• heavy external bleeding of the head, neck or back

• nausea or vomiting

Caring for head, neck or back injury in the water:

• Activate EAP

• Assess the victim’s condition

• Safely enter the water

• Perform an appropriate rescue

• Move the victim to shallow water whenever possible

• Check for consciousness and signs of life

• Remove the victim from the water

• Provide emergency care as needed

Manual In-Line Stabilization Techniques

• The head splint technique

• Head and chin support

DO NOT USE THE HEAD AND CHIN SUPPORT FOR A FACE DOWN VICTIM IN WATER LESS THAN 3 FEET DEEP

To secure victim on the backboard:

1. Strap high across the chest and under the victim’s armpits.

2. strap across the hips with the victim’s arms and hands secured

3. Strap across the thighs

4. After all the straps have been checked and properly secured; secure victim’s head to the backboard using a head immobilizer and strap across the victim’s forehead and chin

Caring for head, neck or back injury on the land:

Minimize movement of the victim’s head, neck and back by putting the lifeguard’s hands on both sides of the victim’s head. Have the victim remain in the positions in which he or she was found until EMS personnel arrive and take over.

A lifeguard must stabilize and restrict motion of the head, neck and back!