Heat stroke is the least common and most serious of the 3 types of heat emergencies. It occurs when the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are ignored. When the body can no longer cool itself it gradually stops working resulting in a rapid rise in temperature. Eventually, vital organs such as the brain and kidneys cease to function. Read the rest of this entry »

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Heat cramps is the least serious of the three types of heat emergencies. However, someone suffering from heat cramps can easily progress to the more serious condition of heat exhaustion. It is therefore important to be aware of the signs and take immediate first aid action. Read the rest of this entry »

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Being underwater increases the pressure on the body and on all the organs of the body. As a result, pressure related injuries most often occur in scuba diving or skin diving when the proper safety precautions aren't taken and the proper procedures aren't followed. Read the rest of this entry »

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Heat exhaustion is one of three classifications of heat emergencies. It is not as serious as heat stroke, but can lead to it if not dealt with properly. Read the rest of this entry »

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Frostbite is a type of cold emergency occurring specific body parts exposed to the cold. When body tissues freeze, it is called frostbite. This condition is serious because the water in between the body's cells are freezing and swelling causing the destruction of those cells. Severe cases of frostbite can result in the loss of fingers, hands, toes, and feet. Read the rest of this entry »

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Perspiration is the body's main method of regulating its temperature and it is generally an effective system. As sweat evaporates off the skin heat is taken with it and resulting in the cooling of the body. Without this method the body would quickly overheat ultimately resulting in death. Because of this, anything that impairs the body's temperature regulation is hazardous. Read the rest of this entry »

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The human body reacts to cold by contracting blood vessels near the skin o move warm blood to the center of the body. As a result, less heat will escape through the skin and the result is that the body stays warm. When this system fails, shivering starts which produces heat through muscle action. Read the rest of this entry »

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Overexposure to the sun is by far the leading cause of skin burns, with consequences ranging from mild sunburn to premature aging and even skin cancer. Most sunburns are classified as first-degree, meaning they are limited to the epidermis, the top layer of the skin.

Electric shock results when an electric current passes through the body, either from lightening or an artificially generated source. The impact ranges from a slight tingling to electrocution. Between these extremes, electricity may cause minor to major burns and temporary to irreversible tissue damage.

The consequences of venom from poisonous snakes vary from minor to life-threatening. Unfortunately with snakes, you are likely to be away from professional medical help when you or someone else are bitten by one. If you are 30 minutes away from help, you should take the necessary first aid steps as quickly as possible. Read the rest of this entry »

Fires are caused by heating equipment, appliances, electrical wiring, cooking, and in other unexpected ways. It's important to plan and practice a fire escape route with your family. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to proceed.