Lesson 69 Performing Common First Aid Procedures

What to do for hypothermia A reduction
of the body temperature so that
it is lower than normal is called
hypothermia. Hypothermia results
from overexposure to cool temperatures,
cold water, moisture, and wind.
The outside temperature can be as
high as 50°F, and a person can still
suffer from hypothermia. Those most
likely to suffer from hypothermia
when exposed to extreme cold are
older adults, people who are ill, children,
people who are hungry or tired,
and people who consume alcohol in
excess.
Most cases of hypothermia are
mild. The victim will shiver and feel
cold. The pulse rate slows down and
becomes irregular as the body temperature
drops. A drop in body temperature
affects the brain and spinal
cord causing the victim to experience
symptoms such as loss of coordination,
slurred speech, and confusion.
Eventually, a victim can become
unconscious. A victim can die if
hypothermia is not treated.
First aid for hypothermia
1. Call the local emergency number
and obtain medical care immediately.
2. Try to raise the body temperature
by getting the victim into a warm
environment.
3. Handle the victim gently.
4. Remove any wet clothing, and
replace it with dry clothing.
5. Place something warm above and
below the victim, such as blankets.
6. Cover the victim’s head.
7. Give the victim warm, sweet liquids
to drink. Never give alcohol to
a victim of hypothermia.
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A victim of hypothermia needs to quickly get to a warm environment.
First aid for moderate hypothermia
(body temperature from 84°F to 94°F)
1. Warm the victim. Use an electric
blanket, a sleeping bag, or several
blankets to wrap the victim. A person
with normal body temperature
can lay next to the victim to
lend body heat.
2. Place the victim in a tub of water
with a temperature no greater
than 105°F if available.
3. Place hot packs around the victim’s
head, neck, chest, back, and groin.
Be careful not to burn the victim.
First aid for severe hypothermia (body
temperature below 84°F)
1. Do not rewarm a victim who can
be transported to a medical facility
within 12 hours.
2. Calm the victim.
3. Avoid unnecessary movement of
the victim.
4. Maintain an airway.
5. Keep the victim lying down.
6. Do not give CPR to the victim
unless there is no pulse. Continue
CPR until the victim is transported
to a medical facility.
Frostbite You should
not rub toes or hands
to try to warm them
up if you think there
is frostbite.
Mini-Review
1. How should a
fracture be
treated?
2. How should
frostbite be
treated?
LESSON 69 • Performing Common First Aid Procedures 719
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