|
|||||||
ABOUT EVAPCAP EVAPCAP USES HEAT STRESS ORDER/CONTACT US HOME xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
How the Body Loses Heat How the Body Gains Heat Heat Illness Heat Cramps Heat Exhaustion Heat Stroke |
EVAPCAP wherever I go in the summer." | |||
PHYSIOLOGY THERMOREGULATION How the Body Loses Heat EVAPORATION - Perspiration evaporates off of the skin. RADIATION - Heat flows from higher temperatures to lower temperatures. CONVECTION - The absorbtion of heat by a circulating fluid such as air or water. CONDUCTION - Transfer of heat from one solid object to another through contact. BACK TO THE TOP How the Body Gains Heat AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE - If the air temperature is greater than the skin temperature, heat will flow from the air to the skin. AIR HUMIDITY - As humidity rises, the body's ability to dissipate heat by radiation and evaporation is diminished. When the humidity rises above 75%, the body can no longer dissipate heat, but actually absorbs more heat. INFRARED RADIATION - Heat flows from higher temperatures to lower temperatures and the infrared rays of the sun have a penetrating heating effect.. BACK TO THE TOP HEAT ILLNESSES DEFINITION OF HEAT ILLNESS Heat illness ranges from mild changes in physiology with few symptoms to heat stroke with serious manifestations. 4,000 people die each year from heat -related illnesses. BACK TO THE TOP Heat Cramps PATHOPHYSIOLOGY The muscles of the body require fliud and electrolytes to function properly. Sodium and potassium are lost during perspiration and must be continually replaced. Failure to do so will cause muscles to "malfunction" and cramp. TYPICAL SCENARIO A person who has been working or exercising and only replacing lost fluids. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Spasm and pain in the muscles of the abdomen and legs, sometimes in the arms, too. Normal level of consciousness. Normal core temperature. TREATMENT Administer fluids (1 tsp salt/1 qt of water, or diluted commercial drink with electrolyte replacements. BACK TO THE TOP Heat Exhaustion PATHOPHYSIOLOGY The body suffers an excessive fluid loss through perspiration. Failure to replenish the fluids can result in the onset of nonhemorrhagic hypovolemic shock. TYPICAL SCENARIO The person has been exposed to or working/exercising in a hot environment and has not been replacing fluids. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS The person may experience headaches, dizziness, weakness, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and may suffer from heat cramps. The level of consciousness may be normal to decreased with disorientation to unconsciousness. The core temperature is normal to slightly elevated. TREATMENT Remove person to cool environment, apply a wet EVAPCAP on the head, and administer sips of fluid. For moderate to severe cases call 911. BACK TO THE TOP Heat Stroke PATHOPHYSIOLOGY The primary way the body cools itself is by perspiring and having the perspiration evaporate off of the skin. If the humidity is high and there is little or no air circulation, the body's cooling system becomes ineffective. Heat stroke is defined as "the development of hyperthermia with neurologic signs and symptoms.". TYPICAL SCENARIO The person has been working or exercising in a hot, humid environment with inadequate rest (cooling) periods and/or a history of prior illness or poor health. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS The core temperature is elevated above 105 degrees. Sweating mechanisms shut down. The level of consciousness is usually altered and the person may experience disorientation to unconsciousness. Seizures are common with heat stroke. Other signs may include headache, dizziness, lethargy, weakness, muscle twitching, nausea and vomiting. TREATMENT Call 911 immediately. Remove person to cool environment, remove victim's clothing, apply a wet, cool EVAPCAP on the head, fan to facilitate evaporation, and place ice packs at pulse points (Neck, armpits, groin, behind knees, etc.) Secure rapid transport to a hospital. DO NOT COVER WITH WET SHEETS for this does not allow for evaporation!. BACK TO THE TOP Copyright 2002 Thermal Concepts, Inc. Patent # 5,016,287 |
 combats heat stress. Learn more... | ||||