Instruction manual

PROFICIENCY IN SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS OTHER THAN
FAST RESCUE BOATS
15 25
- initial local tingling and stiffness when it is difficult to wrinkle the face or
wiggle affected toes or fingers;
- complete absence of sensation in the area affected; and
- local hardness due to freezing of the flesh.
The depth of tissue damage can be graded, like burns, into 1st degree (frost
nip), 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree.
Prevention
If bare skin has to be exposed to the elements, the periods of exposure
should be kept to a minimum and freezing winds particularly avoided.
Moderate exercise and massage at an early stage will help to prevent the
onset of cold injury. Do not smoke; smoking reduces the blood supply to the
hands and feet.
Treatment
On detection of the above signs, immediate steps should be taken to re-
warm the frozen parts before permanent damage occurs. Get out of the wind.
Re-warm the frozen area by applying it to a warmer part of the body, e.g.
hands under armpits, cupped hand over cheek, nose, ear, etc.
Once freezing has occurred do not rub or massage affected areas. When
treatment has been ineffective the skin dies and becomes black. If this occurs
dry dressings should be applied to the affected part.
15.2.8 Heat stroke
What is Heat Stroke?
Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat related illness. Heat stroke is
severe injury from high body temperatures that causes damage to many
organs, particularly the central nervous system, which include the brain and
spinal cord. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. Without proper care,
heat stroke victims will most likely die.
People with heat stroke are dehydrated and require re-hydration. The
very young and old are very susceptible to the hazards of heat stroke.
Types of Heat Strokes
There are two main types of heat stroke: external and classic.
Exertional heat stroke
People who have exertional heat stroke are usually people who are
exercising in excessively warm conditions. Their bodies cannot manage the
stress of the physical activity and the hot environment together.
Classic heat stroke
People with classic heat stroke are usually elderly, very young (infants
and toddlers) or debilitated people who are in warm environments for too long.
The elderly are especially vulnerable to the heat. Elderly people are more