Video Transcript
Hypothermia is a condition where the patient’s core body temperature drops below 35 degrees. It is important to remove them from the wet or cold area and ensure they are lying down.  Gradually re-warm them with blankets or clothing and ensure they do not have anything to eat or drink.
Hyperthermia is a heat related illness it may result in nausea fainting dizziness or vomiting. Hypothermia needs to be cooled gradually. This means applying cold ice packs and removing the casualty to a shaded area and removing layers of clothing if necessary.

Treating Hyperthermia and Hypothermia: A First Aid Trainer’s Guide

Temperature-related emergencies, such as hyperthermia (overheating) and hypothermia (dangerous cooling), can escalate rapidly and become life-threatening. Both conditions require prompt recognition and intervention to stabilize the victim and prevent complications. Here’s a comprehensive guide to managing these emergencies in the workplace or outdoors.

Hyperthermia: Overheating Crisis

Hyperthermia occurs when the body absorbs or produces more heat than it can release, leading to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

1. Recognize the Stages

• Heat Exhaustion:
  • Symptoms: Heavy sweating, pale/clammy skin, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid pulse.
  • Action: This is a warning sign; untreated, it can progress to heat stroke.
• Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency):
  • Symptoms: High body temperature (≥104°F/40°C), hot/dry or sweaty skin, confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness.
  • Action: Heat stroke can cause organ failure and death. Act immediately.

2. Immediate Treatment

• Move to a Cool Area:
  • Get the person into shade or air conditioning.
  • Remove excess clothing and loosen tight garments.
• Cool the Body:
  • Apply cool, wet cloths to the skin, especially the neck, armpits, and groin.
  • Fan the person while misting with water.
  • Immerse in cool (not ice-cold) water if possible.
• Hydrate (If Conscious):
  • Provide small sips of water or electrolyte drinks. Avoid alcohol or caffeine.
• Seek Emergency Care:
  • Call 911 if symptoms worsen, vomiting occurs, or consciousness is lost.

3. Prevention

• Schedule strenuous work during cooler hours.
• Encourage frequent hydration and rest breaks.
• Provide shaded areas and cooling stations.
• Train staff to recognize early signs.

Hypothermia: Dangerous Cooling

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing core temperature to drop below 95°F (35°C).

1. Recognize the Stages

• Mild Hypothermia:
  • Symptoms: Shivering, numbness, fatigue, slurred speech, poor coordination.
• Moderate to Severe Hypothermia:
  • Symptoms: Weak/no shivering, confusion, shallow breathing, slow pulse, loss of consciousness.

2. Immediate Treatment

• Move to Warmth:
  • Get the person indoors or shield them from wind/rain.
  • Remove wet clothing and replace with dry layers (including a hat and gloves).
• Gradual Rewarming:
  • Wrap in blankets, sleeping bags, or emergency foil wraps.
  • Apply warm (not hot) compresses to the chest, neck, or groin. Avoid direct heat (e.g., heating pads), which can burn skin or trigger cardiac arrest.
• Hydrate (If Conscious):
  • Offer warm, sweet drinks (no alcohol or caffeine).
• Handle Gently:
  • Avoid rough movements, as hypothermia makes the heart vulnerable to arrhythmias.
• Seek Emergency Care:
  • Call 911 if the person is unconscious, not shivering, or has a temperature below 95°F.

3. Prevention

• Provide insulated clothing and windbreakers for cold environments.
• Schedule regular warm-up breaks in cold conditions.
• Educate workers on the risks of wet clothing and wind chill.

Key Differences in Approach

• Hyperthermia: Focus on cooling the body rapidly but safely.
• Hypothermia: Prioritize gradual rewarming and preventing further heat loss.

Final Thoughts

Both conditions demand swift action and awareness of environmental risks. Train employees to monitor themselves and others, especially in extreme temperatures. Keep emergency supplies like blankets, cooling packs, and thermometers accessible. Remember: Early intervention saves lives.

By fostering a culture of preparedness, workplaces can mitigate the dangers of temperature extremes and protect their teams year-round.