Hypothermia, Frostbite and Heat Illness: BC Environmental Emergencies

BC outdoor workplaces range from freezing forestry camps to blazing Okanagan construction sites. Both ends of the thermometer cause real injuries.

Hypothermia

Shivering (early), confusion, slurred speech, loss of shivering (late and serious). Remove wet clothing, dry the patient, wrap in insulation, monitor for cardiac arrest.

Frostbite

Pale or waxy skin, numbness, loss of dexterity. Do not rub. Rewarm in warm (not hot) water only if refreezing can be prevented.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Move to shade, cool with water and fanning, rehydrate if conscious. Heat stroke is life-threatening and needs aggressive cooling and EMS.

Related: remote workplace first aid.

Ready to register? Call Mainland Safety Training at 604-617-0211, email info@mainlandsafety.ca, or reserve your seat online.

About this site: IntermediateFirstAidTraining.ca is operated by Mainland Safety Training, a WorkSafeBC and Canadian Red Cross authorized provider. Our OFA Level 2 Intermediate First Aid course is delivered across Surrey, Vancouver, Burnaby, Langley, Richmond, Delta, Coquitlam, Abbotsford, Kelowna and Victoria.