Demonstrate the steps in providing care to a patient who has suffered an environmental injury.

Demonstration should include the pathophysiology, assessment, and management of

• submersion incidents
• temperature-related illnesses
• bites and envenomation
• lightning injury
• other environmental emergencies to be determined locally
• barotrauma.

Demonstration should include psychosocial aspects of age-related assessment and treatment modifications for the major or common diseases and/or emergencies associated with pediatric and geriatric patients.

Process/Skill Questions:

• Why are water temperature and cleanliness the primary factors in a patient’s care and survival after a submersion incident?
• What are the major differences in the treatment of mild vs. severe hypothermia?
• What are the major differences in the treatment of heat exhaustion vs. heatstroke?
• How may a rapid ascent from deep water result in trauma to the patient?