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Exhaustion |
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Prevention of exhaustion involves a lot of common sense.
• First and foremost, know your limits.
• It helps to be in shape and use your fuel efficiently. That's where conditioning comes in.
• Be prepared with the right clothing and equipment.
• Continue to fuel up the entire time that you are exercising.
• Choose foods with sugar for quick energy and carbohydrates for a more sustained fuel source.
• Water is also necessary for expending any energy and prevents dehydration.
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Trying to Beat the Heat |
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because we are warm-blooded animals, our bodies perform best when we maintain 98.6°. However if it is hot outside, then it is difficult for our bodies to keep that temperature. People who are prone to getting hot easily are subject to a number of problems.
• You should always drink plenty of water because as your temperature rises, you will begin to lose water and could become dehydrated.
• Wear good protective clothing such as a hat; a thin, light-colored, long-sleeve shirt; and a pair of pants. These items will offer you more protection than shorts and a t-shirt.
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Signs of Respiratory Distress: |
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• Look for the signs of respiratory distress, which include:
• Nasal flaring: the nostrils open wide during inhalation.
• Tracheal tugging: the Adam's apple is pulled upward during inhalation.
• Retraction of intercostals muscles (those between the ribs) during inhalation.
• Use of the diaphragm and neck muscles to assist in inhalation.
• Use of the abdominal muscles during exhalation.
• Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes).
• And Hands grasping at the throat & Neck (classic)
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Performing a Cricothyrotomy |
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Cricothyrotomy consists of the insertion of a knife through the cricothyroid membrane. A horizontal incision of less than one-half inch is usually performed. The handle of the knife is inserted into the incision and rotated 90" to maintain the patency of the opening, but it is usually necessary to insert a tubular device such as a small leg, 4 mm internal diameter) endotracheal tube or metal cannula. This may be attached to a bag-valve or other such device for providing positive-pressure ventilation with high oxygen concentrations. This should only be performed by a trained & qualified person. |
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First-Degree Burns: |
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First-degree burns are caused by a flash, a flame, or the sun. They are the most common and the most minor of all burns. The skin surface is dry; no blisters or swelling occur. The skin is reddened and extremely painful, but the epidermal layer is the only one affected. First-degree burns heal in two to five days with no scarring. Peeling of the outer epidermal layer usually occurs, and some temporary discoloration may result. |
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