First Aid Guide 04
Heat, Cold, and Burn Emergencies
Environmental Emergencies
Outdoor activities can expose Scouts to heat, cold, sun, hot cookware, fires, and weather that changes quickly. Prevention is easier than treatment: match clothing and pace to the conditions, drink appropriately, use shade and insulation, and speak up early when someone does not feel right.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke
| Condition | Common signs | First aid priority |
|---|---|---|
| Heat exhaustion | Heavy sweating, cool or clammy skin, weakness, headache, dizziness, nausea, cramps | Stop activity, move to a cooler place, loosen clothing, cool the person, and give small sips of water if fully alert and not vomiting. Get medical help if symptoms worsen, vomiting occurs, or recovery is not prompt. |
| Heat stroke | Confusion, altered behavior, slurred speech, seizures, collapse, very high body temperature; skin may be hot and dry or sweaty | Call 911 immediately and begin rapid cooling. Cold-water immersion is highly effective when available; otherwise wet the person, use cold wet cloths, fan, and place cold packs at the neck, armpits, and groin. Do not delay cooling while waiting for EMS. |
Confusion or other altered mental status in a hot person is a major warning sign. Treat suspected heat stroke as a medical emergency.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can make heat. It can happen in cold air, but also in cool, wet, windy conditions. Warning signs include persistent shivering, fumbling hands, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness, unusual behavior, and declining coordination.
- Call for emergency help for moderate or severe hypothermia, altered mental status, or a person who is becoming less responsive.
- Move the person gently to shelter. Remove wet clothing when practical and replace it with dry insulation.
- Warm the torso gradually with blankets, dry clothing, sleeping bags, and protected heat sources. Keep the head covered.
- If the person is fully alert and can swallow safely, warm nonalcoholic drinks may be offered. Do not give drinks to a confused, drowsy, or unconscious person.
- Handle a severely cold person gently and continue to monitor breathing.
Frostbite
Frostbite is freezing of the skin and underlying tissue. Numbness, pale or grayish skin, firm or waxy skin, swelling, or blistering are warning signs.
- Get the person to warmth and seek prompt medical attention.
- Remove rings, watches, or tight items before swelling increases.
- Do not rub, massage, or walk on frostbitten feet or toes unless necessary for safety.
- Rewarm frozen tissue only when there is no chance it will refreeze. The preferred method is clean lukewarm water around 99°F to 104°F (37°C to 40°C).
- Do not use a stove, fire, heating pad, or other direct high heat on numb tissue. Protect thawed areas with loose, clean, dry dressings.
Thermal burns
- Stop the burning process and move away from the heat source when safe.
- Cool the burn immediately, preferably under clean running water for about 5 to 20 minutes. Do not chill the entire person, especially a small child.
- Remove rings, watches, belts, or other tight items before swelling begins. Do not pull away clothing that is stuck to a burn.
- After cooling, loosely cover the burn with a clean, nonstick dressing or clean cloth.
- Do not break blisters. Avoid butter, toothpaste, and other home remedies.
- Get prompt medical care for full-thickness burns; burns larger than the person's palm; burns of the face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints; electrical or chemical burns; or possible smoke inhalation.
