On Board Health Guide

ACCIDENTS DUE TO COLD: HYPOTHERMIA

Low body temperature (rectal temperature below 35 degrees centigrade). (See Chapter 3.2, PHYSICAL EXAMINATION)

Suspect HYPOTHERMIA if:

Has been exposed to a cold environment (fallen overboard into the water, underwater work…).
Cold and pale or bluish skin.
Shaking and weakness.
Loss of co-ordination.
Low consciousness level or unconscious.
Slow or undetectable breathing and heartbeat.

What to DO:

Avoid heat loss bringing the patient to a warm environment without airflow.
If the patient is unconscious, follow instructions on Chapter 1.1.
Remove wet clothes and dress with dry ones. Wrap with a blanket, covering the head.
If this is not enough, get two people, also wrapped in blankets, to hug the patient so that they warm him or her up (see picture).
If conscious, give warm and sweet liquids.
Ask for MEDICAL ADVICE VIA RADIO

Applying corporal heat by direct contact whith other bodies

Picture 2-22

What NOT TO DO:

Do not try to warm up by rubbing or shaking the patient.
Do not give alcoholic beverages or coffee, and do not allow the patient to smoke.
If you apply heat, avoid burning the patient.

ACCIDENTS DUE TO HEAT: HEAT STROKE

High body temperature, above 40 degrees centigrade, which tends to increase.

Suspect HEAT STROKE if:

Long exposure to hot and humid environment.
Disoriented and confused. There may be loss of consciousness.
Skin is warm and dry (even though some patients may keep sweating). Redness of skin and mucosa.
Fast pulse.
Thirst sensation.

What to DO:

If the patient is unconscious, follow instructions on Chapter 1.1.
Carry the patient to a cool, dry and well-ventilated place and remove clothing.
Cool the patient immediately with a cold shower (approximately 20 degrees centigrade) or by rubbing with damp cold cloths (see picture)
If conscious, give sodium chloride plus potassium chloride plus glucose plus sodium bicarbonate (DRAWER 13, First aid kits A and B), diluted in cold water.
Lower body temperature to 39 degrees centigrade and check every ten minutes. If temperature rises, cool again.
Ask for MEDICAL ADVICE VIA RADIO

Picture 2-23.

What NOT TO DO:

Do not give alcoholic beverages or stimulants.
Do not delay treatment. There may be brain damage or death may occur if the patient's temperature is not brought down immediately.
Do not continue cooling if temperature reaches 38.5 degrees centigrade.

Index