Hyperthermia Scenario (Responder)

What would be your first impression of this patient, and how might this guide your first questioning and treatment?

You suspect hyperthermia and learn that the patient has been on a long hike. However, you struggle to get much more information from him. You notice his small shoulder bag contains one 500ml bottle, which is empty. What should be your first priorities when assessing or treating this patient?

The patient’s airway is clear. Breathing is rapid and shallow. He is flushed but has a good radial pulse. The patient is looking at you but still seems dazed and isn’t fully aware of what is happening. He obeys commands but needs consistent reminders to follow instructions as he remains confused.
What is the patient’s GCS?

You take the patient’s observations: HR 105, RR 22, SpO2 98%, BP 109/71, BM 3.4, temperature 40.2°C, and you would describe them as Verbal on the AVPU assessment. What is the patient’s NEWs score?

What severity of heat-related illness does this patient likely have?

You suspect the patient has heat stroke and need to cool him down quickly. What methods can you use to rapidly cool the patient?

When the patient is suffering from heat stroke and his temperature is above 40°C, should an anti-pyretic be administered for further cooling effects?

The patient also has a relatively low BM reading. Although the patient is not diabetic, should this be treated according to JRCALC guidelines?

What other potential abnormalities/differentials should you consider when called to a patient with a heat-related illness?

If querying dehydration, and the patient has only consumed plain water and no food while participating in the event, what other related differential is common in physically demanding events in hot weather?

You continue to try cooling the patient with a fan in your first aid tent, cool water, and a loosely placed wet sheet. What disposition would be most appropriate when handing over the patient to the paramedic team on a conveying resource?

The paramedic crew arrives. What handover tool can you use that is short, precise, and most applicable for a medical patient?

How quickly should active cooling treatment begin for heat-related illnesses upon first presentation?

The best method for cooling severe heat-related illness is cold/ice water immersion, which can be utilized with tarps, large buckets, or nearby streams?

What pathophysiological effects can be associated with heat stroke making it a serious medical emergency?

What type of heat-related illness would this be classified as?