First Aid for Injuries Due to the Environment

Injuries can come as a result of the ambient temperature being too high or too low. There are ways to avoid such problems, for example dressing appropriately in cold weather, and ensuring proper hydration and physical activity in excessively warm conditions. Nevertheless, once a problem develops, sometimes due to unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances, it is best to know how to treat it.

Frostbite is caused by exposure to cold temperature for long periods of time. The skin will appear flushed, then changes to white or grayish yellow. Blisters may appear. The victim will feel cold and numb and will experience pain in the affected area. Do not rub the area, but quickly warm by immersion in warm water, (102° to 107° F - 39° to 40° C) if it is available. If not, at least shelter the victim in a warm place, give drink to replace fluids, separate affected areas (such as toes or fingers). Get medical help as soon as possible.
On the other end of the spectrum is heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Normally happens in warm or hot environment. Heat exhaustion is characterized by pale skin, clammy to the touch. Likely headache, physical weakness, and possible nausea. A heat stroke victim will also vomit, be flushed, and show confusion. To treat, apply cold clothes to skin. Give salty fluid or broth, Gatorade or Pedialyte. In case of heat stroke, call ambulance immediately.
Sunburn comes from excessive exposure to the sun and can occur in a relatively few minutes and even on cloudy days. Best to avoid sunburn in the first place by appropriate dress and using sun-blocker. Treat sunburn if mild by use of soothing ointment. Call a doctor if the burn is severe, which means more than 15% of the body, or if the victim has a fever and sickness. Blisters may develop. Keep victim out of the sun and apply sterile dressing to any blisters that break.
Drowning occurs when a person's breathing passages are submerged beneath the water and can occur in as little as a few inches of water. Do not leave children unattended in the tub. Because of the lack of the ability to breathe the victim ceases breathing and the heartbeat will likely stop. Immediate attention in this case is vital. Begin mouth-to-mouth and chest compression (if no heartbeat). Do NOT move head, neck, or back unnecessarily as the victim may have been initially hurt by diving into shallow water and have broken vital bones. Call ambulance immediately.