Heat Illness

This online module is designed for outdoor professionals, enthusiasts, or for anyone interested in learning more about this topic. This course is NOT eligible for CME or FAWM.

Course Description:

Hot climates cause a myriad of physiological changes. While humans are well adapted to these climates, if left unaddressed, an excessively hot climate can have disastrous consequences. In this module, you will learn the risk factors associated with heat-related illness, the body’s response to heat stress, and be able to describe the signs and symptoms, treatment, prevention, and evacuation guidelines related to heat cramps, heat syncope, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Objectives: 

The purpose of this module is to help you develop a process that will allow you to overcome obstacles and provide the patient(s) with the appropriate care.

Upon completion, students should be familiar with:

• List factors that make someone susceptible to heat illness
• Describe the causes of heat cramps and heat syncope and how to manage these conditions
• Differentiate heat exhaustion and heatstroke
• Discuss methods to help prevent heat-related illness
• Know methods of cooling, which method(s) is best in heat illness, and when to stop active cooling
• List evacuation guidelines for victims with heat illness