Athletic InjuriesATC 222

Environmental Considerations

Chapter 12

Heat and Cold Exchange

• Metabolism

• Conduction

• Convection

• Radiation

• Evaporation– humidity

• decreased at 65%• stops at 75%

Cold Exposure

• Types– Hypothermia– Frostbite

• Contributing Factors– clothing– activity– wind– temperature– moisture

Frostbite

• Types– Frostnip– Superficial– Deep

• Signs and Symptoms– cold, white, waxy, hard, numb

• Treatment

Heat Illness

• 3 Types– Heat Cramps– Heat Exhaustion– Heat Stroke

• Heat Cramps– etiology– signs and symptoms– treatment

Heat Exhaustion

• Etiology

• Signs and symptoms– pale, cool, clammy skin– profuse sweating– rapid, weak pulse– dizzy, weak, headache, nausea– normal core temperature

• Treatment

Heat Stroke

• Etiology

• Signs and symptoms– unconscious?– no active sweating– hot, dry, red skin– rapid strong pulse– elevated core temperature (106 F)– dilated pupils

• Treatment

Prevention• acclimatization

• fluid replacement– before, during, and after activity– 45-55 F temperature

• identify high risk athletes

• weight charts

• clothing

• playing surface

• wind, temperature, and humidity– heat index– sling psychrometer

Sport Drinks

• 5-8% Carbohydrate solution

• trace Na, K, Cl (.8g per 8 ounces)