Kinesiology 2236A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 18: Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke, Mental Status Examination

• School: Western University
• Department: Kinesiology
• Course: Kinesiology 2236A/B
• Professor: Dave Humphreys

Document Summary

It is alarming that 29 high school ehi deaths occurred in the past decade: 15 ehi deaths in the 1990"s, 14 ehi deaths in the 1980"s. Temperature: as atmospheric temp increases, the temp gradient between air and body decreases, when tbody > tenvironment, we lose hear via radiation, over 26 c (80 degrees f) the body absorbs heat. Heat loss is from 20 c (68 f) only. Risk of exertional heat injury: we must take humidity into consideration, substantial humidity, even at low temperatures can be dangerous. Individual may stop sweating hot, dry skin. Heat exhaustion characterized by an inability to continue functioning in the heat. Primary (hard signs: conscious, alert, temp < 40 c, systolic < 100 mmhg. Secondary (soft signs) may or may not be present: sweating, pale, moist, cool skin, cramping, nausea. Primary (hard signs: unconscious or decreased mental status. Irrational behaviour: temp > 40 c, systolic > 100 mmhg.