How to Prevent Environmental Illnesses

Exposure to the cold and extreme heat are the most common elements that cause environmental illnesses. In addition to these, there are also environmental poisons. The symptoms of environmental illnesses vary, depending on the chemical, pollution, allergen, toxin, virus, or climatic condition the victim is exposed to. Preventing environmental illnesses is not easy, but the faster people are removed from the danger and treated, the better.

Environmental hazards typically occur outdoors when people are exposed to extreme climatic conditions or poisons. Now, let’s learn how to prevent environmental illnesses!

What are environmental illnesses?

Hypothermia, heatstroke, frostbite, heat exhaustion, and poisoning are some of the most commonly seen environmental illnesses seen by first responders.

Cold-Related Illnesses

Hypothermia – When the body is exposed to frigid temperatures, it can’t produce heat as fast as it is lost. The result is that the body uses up all its stored energy, reaching an abnormally low body temperature. This is known as hypothermia. Hypothermia is very dangerous because the person’s ability to think clearly and move is dangerously reduced.

Preventing hypothermia requires that people heed the early warning signs and take the appropriate action. Know the early warning signs of hypothermia which include shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, and disorientation or confusion. They should call for assistance if they cannot find a warmer place or shelter.

First Aid measures include moving the person to a warm space, removing wet clothing, and warming their body from the center outward. In the absence of an electric blanket, the best way to heat a person is with skin-to-skin contact under layers of dry clothing. You must only give the person a high calorie food or drink if they are conscious, alert and shivering, avoiding alcoholic beverages. If the person has no pulse, give CPR immediately.

Frostbite – Some body areas are more susceptible to freezing temperatures than others. These include the ears, nose, chin, cheeks, fingers, and toes. Frostbite is caused when these body parts freeze because of extremely low temperatures. The body tissue in that part of the body could become permanently damaged, often leading to amputation. Frostbite is prominent in people with poor blood circulation, but also among people working in the cold who haven’t dressed appropriately.

Wearing protective coverings on all extremities when spending time in freezing outdoor temperatures is critical. The symptoms of frostbite include numbness, tingling, and hardened skin. The skin may also turn pale or blue with a waxy appearance.

First Aid measures include going to a warmer area, immersing the affected area in warm water (never hot water) or body heat. Keep the skin protected with loose dressings, elevate thawed extremities, stay hydrated and get medical attention.

Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat Exhaustion – Excessive sweating during heat exposure causes the body to lose fluids. Because of this, the body’s blood flows to the skin to eliminate heat. This causes a lack of blood flow to vital organs.The warning signs include sweating, dizziness, weakness, headaches, vomiting and more.

The best way to prevent heat exhaustion is to ensure your body remains cool. Stay hydrated and avoid exertive work during the hottest times of the day.

First Aid measures include placing the person into a cool area and giving them lots of liquids, especially water, clear liquids, or a sports drink to replenish the body’s lost minerals. Loosen clothing as much as possible and pour cool water on their torso. You can also cool them down by applying a cool cloth or ice to the neck, head, and face.

Heatstroke – Heatstroke is a severe environmental illness. The signs of heatstroke are an extremely high body temperature of 104F (40°C) and higher and loss of consciousness (partial or complete). Not all heatstroke victims sweat, so it is not a good indication. Other signs include severe headache, altered behaviour, rapid breathing, seizures, and dry/hot skin.

Precautions to prevent heatstroke include protecting against sunburn, wearing loose clothing, drinking plenty of fluids on hot days, and staying indoors during the hottest part of the day.

Treat heatstroke by removing the person from the heat. Loosen tight clothing and immerse them in cool water. Ensure their forearms and hands are in cool water. You may also place ice packs in the person’s armpits and chest. Fan them as a way to increase evaporation. If they are conscious, let them sip on a cool sports drink, coconut water, milk or water.

First Aid and Environmental Illness

First Aid training prepares you to treat victims of these and other environmental illnesses. At Coast2Coast, our Emergency and Standard First Aid courses are ideal, depending on the level of First Aid training you desire. This training is offered in a blended method to save you time and money. Pick your preferred location in the Greater Toronto Area, Western or Eastern Ontario, and register today.