Heat Emergencies
Heat Emergencies
Heat Emergencies
Pre-Medical Control
MFR/EMT/SPECIALIST/PARAMEDIC
1. Follow General Pre-hospital Care Protocol.
2. Determine history/evidence of heat exposure.
EMT/SPECIALIST/PARAMEDIC
3. Check blood glucose and treat hypoglycemia per Altered Mental Status Protocol.
HEAT CRAMPS:
MFR/EMT/SPECIALIST/PARAMEDIC
1. Move the patient to a cool environment and attempt oral liquids.
2. Contact Medical Control.
HEAT EXHAUSTION:
MFR/EMT/SPECIALIST/PARAMEDIC
1. Move the patient to a cool environment.
2. Remove Tight Clothing.
3. Cool patient, provide air conditioning/fanning. Avoid chilling/shivering.
SPECIALIST/PARAMEDIC
4. NS IV/IO fluid bolus up to 1 liter, wide open.
A. Patient may take oral fluid replacement rather than IV if no nausea. Allow oral intake of
cool fluids or water (may use commercial sports/rehydration drinks). Do not permit patient
to drink if altered mental status, abdominal pain or nausea. Avoid carbonated, alcoholic and
caffeinated beverages.
EMT/SPECIALIST/PARAMEDIC
5. Contact Medical Control.
HEAT STROKE:
MFR/EMT/SPECIALIST/PARAMEDIC
1. Move the patient to a cool environment.
2. Remove tight clothing.
3. Immediate cooling provide air conditioning and fanning. Avoid chilling/shivering.
4. Place patient in semi-reclining position with head elevated.
SPECIALIST/PARAMEDIC
5. NS IV/IO fluid bolus up to 1 liter, wide open, repeat as indicated.
EMT/SPECIALIST/PARAMEDIC
6. Contact Medical Control.
MCA Name Macomb County EMS Medical Control Authority Section 1-9
MCA Board Approval Date Feb. 15, 2013
MDCH Approval Date May 31, 2013
MCA Implementation Date Aug. 01, 2013
Michigan
Adult Treatment Protocols
HEAT EMERGENCIES
Date: May 31, 2012 Page 2 of 3
7. Cool as quickly as possible via ice or cool-water immersion, if possible. Alternative means such
as water dousing may be used if immersion is not possible, dousing is not as effective.
A. Cool as much of the body as possible, especially the torso.
8. Cool first, transport second when possible.
SPECIALIST/PARAMEDIC
9. Obtain vascular access; consider resting the patients arm on the side of immersion tub to start IV
while patient is still immersed.
10. If patient experiences seizures, refer to Seizures Protocol.
PARAMEDIC
11. Monitor ECG (lead cables can go in the water).
MCA Name Macomb County EMS Medical Control Authority Section 1-9
MCA Board Approval Date Feb. 15, 2013
MDCH Approval Date May 31, 2013
MCA Implementation Date Aug. 01, 2013
Michigan
Adult Treatment Protocols
HEAT EMERGENCIES
Date: May 31, 2012 Page 3 of 3
Contact Medical
Control
Move patient to cool environment
Remove tight clothing NS IV/IO fluid bolus up to 1 liter,
Heat Stroke Immediate cooling wide open, repeat as indicated
Provide air conditioning & fanning.
Avoid chilling/shivering.
Place patient in semi-reclining position with Contact Medical
head elevated Control
MCA Name Macomb County EMS Medical Control Authority Section 1-9
MCA Board Approval Date Feb. 15, 2013
MDCH Approval Date May 31, 2013
MCA Implementation Date Aug. 01, 2013