emt-basic curriculum module 4

State of WisconsinEMT-Basic: A Practice BasedApproach to EMS EducationII.III.1. Heat loss exceeds heat gained - hypothermia (low bodytemperature)a) Heat loss occurs by:(1) Radiation(2) Convection(3) Conduction(4) Evaporation(5) Breathingb) EMT-Basic must be aware of methods of heat loss whentreating patients with hypothermia to prevent further heatloss2. Heat gained exceeds heat loss - hyperthermia (high body coretemperature)Important Questions to Ask Patients Exposed to the EnvironmentA. SourceB. EnvironmentC. Loss of consciousnessD. Effects1. General2. LocalExposure to ColdA. Generalized cold emergency - generalized hypothermia1. Predisposing factorsa) Cold environment(1) Immersion(2) Non-immersionb) Age(1) Very old(a) Low income may prohibit adequate heat inhome(b) Elderly have less muscle mass andsubcutaneous tissue(c) Elderly may have chronic illnesses andfailing body systems(d) Many have poor diets(e) Many medications may contribute tohypothermia(f) Decreased activity(2) Very young(a) Infants and young children are small withlarge surface area(b) Small muscle mass, so shivering is poor inchildren and not at all in infants(c)(d)Less body fatYounger children need help to protect self.Cannot put on or take off clothes.Module 4-72