EMS Care EMT Chapter: 24-MCIT-F3-2122 Environmental Medical Emergencies starts with an introduction to the topic. Exposure to the environmental elements can result in various emergencies. For the EMT to recognize and manage these conditions, they require knowledge of the causative factors and the pathophysiology of specific disorders. Along with the stated this chapter discusses the assessment and management of Environmental emergencies.

The lessons included are

• Lesson 1: Introduction to Environmental Injuries
• Lesson 2: Temperature-Related Emergencies: Managing Heat and Cold Emergencies in the Field
• Lesson 3: Submersion Incidents: Managing Drowning and Near-Drowning Emergencies
• Lesson 4: Bites And Envenomation: Managing Nature’s Nasty Surprises
• Lesson 5: Diving Emergencies: Understanding and Managing Pressure-Related Injuries
• Lesson 6: Electrical And Radiation Injuries: Managing Invisible Threats In The Field
• Lesson 7: Special Population: Adapting Care for Unique Patient Groups

Excerpt from EMS Care EMT Chapter: 24-MCIT-F3-2122 Environmental Medical Emergencies

Now, let’s cool things down and talk about cold injuries. Frostbite is the freezing of body tissues, usually in the extremities. It progresses from frostnip through superficial to deep frostbite. If there is none or minimal anticipated tissue loss, it corresponds to first—and second-degree injury and is considered superficial. It is considered deep if there is at least some anticipated tissue loss, corresponding to third—and fourth-degree injury.  

Look for numbness, waxy skin, and skin color changes. Frostbite is a localized injury often occurring in the lower extremities, particularly the toes and feet. It occurs less often in the upper extremities (the fingers and hands). Frostbite also occurs on the ears, nose, and other body areas unprotected from environmental extremes.

Hypothermia is a whole-body problem. In mild cases (90-95°F), you’ll see shivering, and the patient will be alert. Moderate hypothermia (82-90°F) brings altered mental status. Severe hypothermia (below 82°F) is bad news – you’ll see rigidity, and the patient may appear dead. But remember, in hypothermia, no one is dead until they’re warm and dead. These patients can have good outcomes with proper care