Jackson and Tom

HYPERTHERMIA
What is it?

An elevated body temperature due to failed thermoregulation that

occurs when the body produces or absorbs more heat than it can
release.

Stages of hyperthermia

Heat exhaustion:
Is the first stage of hyperthermia and can rapidly develop into heat
stroke if not treated immediately. Heat exhaustion usually occurs
during or after physical activity.
Heat Stroke:
Is a milder form of heat-related illnesses e.g. heat exhaustion, but
can strike even if you have no previous signs of heat exhaustion.
Heat stroke results from a prolonged exposure to high temperatures,
usually in combination with dehydration, which then leads to failure
of the bodys temperature control system.
Mild Symptoms

Apply cold packs or wrapped ice to the students neck and

armpits
Cover the student with a wet sheet (t-shirt)
Call 000 and ask for Ambulance
Give water to the student if they are fully conscious and
able to swallow
Seek urgent medical attention if the patient has a seizure
( St Johns, 2016)

Prevention

Drink plenty of water and have sufficient fluids

Wear a hat
Drink less tea, coffee, alcohol to avoid dehydration
Wear lightweight, light coloured and loose fitting clothing
easy breathing fabric
Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide
Physical activity before 10am and after 4pm
(Australia Wide First Aid, 2016)

What to look out for on camp?

Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Cramps/ fatigue
Thirsty
Rapid breathing/ shortness of breath

Monitor kids energy levels and sound produced

Moderating breaks
Making sure they have sufficient clothing
Minimal Kit

If its darker than straw, drink some more!

Extreme symptoms

High temperature >40 celcius

Pounding rapid pulse
Life threatning illness
Mental confusion
Seizure

Body Temperature

Reference List

Mild Hypothermia 32-36 degrees Celsius

Normal 36.5 37.5 degrees Celsius
Mild Hyperthermia 37.6 38.7 degrees Celsius
Extreme Hyperthermia > 38.8 degrees Celsius

Risk Factors

Age
Exertion in hot weather
Medications
Health conditions
High blood pressure and poor circulation

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heatstroke/basics/treatment/con-20032814

Move the student to lie down in a cool place with

circulating air
Loosen tight clothing and or remove unnecessary
garments
Sponge the patient with cool water
Give the conscious student water/ fluids
Seek medical attention if the student vomits or doesnt
recover quickly
(St Johns, 2016)

Treatment for heat stroke

Follow DRSABCD

The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne,. (2014). Clinical

Guidelines (Nursing) : Temperature Management.
Rch.org.au.
Retrieved 7 August 2015, from
http://www.rch.org.au/rchcpg/hospital_clinical_guideline_in
dex/Temperature_Management/

Treatment for heat exhaustion

Wilmore, J., & Costill, D. (2004). Physiology of sport and

exercise (3rd ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Mayoclinic.org,. (2015). Heatstroke Treatments and drugs
- Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 28 August 2015, from

Snowbrains.com,. 'French Couple Dies Hiking New

Mexican Desert | 9-Year Old Son Survives Snowbrains.Com'. N.p., 2015. Web. 4 Sept. 2015.