Prevention of Cold-Related Emergencies
The initial prevention measure when considering coldrelated emergencies involves recognizing all environmental factors and being able to implement an on-site EAP. The EAP should address the prevention and recognition of coldrelated emergencies and then provide a plan of action to evaluate and treat the affected athlete Athletic trainers and other health care providers must be prepared to respond in a quick and appropriate manner to alleviate symptoms and minimize the chance of cold-related injuries or even death. The EAP will help prepare all involved for the proper management of all cold-related emergencies. Prevention of cold-related emergencies in athletics includes the following :
1. Have a wind chill chart on hand to
determine the possibility of hypothermia or frostbite.
2. Dress in layers.
3. Cover the head to prevent excessive heat
loss.
4. Stay dry by wearing breathable and
water-repellent clothing materials.
5. Stay adequately hydrated before and during
activity.
6. Eat regular and nutritious meals so the
body is wellfueled and therefore more efficient; this also ensures adequate
calories available for shivering.
7. Avoid alcohol and nicotine because they
accelerate heat loss.
8. Educate athletes, coaches, officials, and
parents to recognize cold-related emergencies.
9. If unsure whether an athlete is suffering
from hypothermia and/or frostbite, always stay on the side of caution and treat
accordingly. Cold-related emergencies may occur in most parts of the country,
but it is a major concern for the athletes who participate in cold weather sports.
Prompt recognition by an athletic trainer on the field is important for all
cold-related emergencies. If frostbite is suspected, the damaged area should be
protected
from any further freezing until rewarming can safely begin. The freeze-thaw
process causes more damage than leaving the tissue frozen until proper medical
direction is available. All wet clothing should be removed, and the damaged
tissue should be covered with a dry dressing. The affected tissue should never
be rubbed because this may cause further damage to the frostbite area as a
result of the intracellular ice crystals. The athlete should be taken to an
emergency care facility as soon as possible to be checked for possible
hypothermia. If an athlete is also suffering from hypothermia, the first
concern is core rewarming.When frostbite alone is the
problem,
the best way to rewarm the tissue is by immersion in water at temperatures between
98°F and 102°F for 20 to 30 minutes . A common error is to apply snow to a
frostbitten area or to massage it; both can cause serious damage to the thawing
tissues. Do not rewarm an area with dry heat, such as a heat lamp, because
frostbitten skin is easily burned as a result of the numb condition. Athletes
suffering from frostbite may experience increased skin sensitivity or permanent
tissue damage. It is strongly advised that the athlete keep frostbitten areas
covered with clothing during the winter to prevent further damage to the
affected body tissues that have not recovered.
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