Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

9 Other Emergencies

Heat cramps Heat cramps are painful muscle cramps that occur after vigorous exercise or strenuous labour. They do not require a hot environment to occur, but fluid loss and electrolyte loss are factors and these are more likely in hotter environments.

First Aider in Action: Part 3 You reach the patient, a man of about 35, and kneel next to him, asking if he is okay. When there is no response, you touch his shoulder and ask again. The man’s face and shirt are wet with sweat and he is breathing noisily. A woman approaches, and you ask her to call 911 as you continue the primary assessment. Is the airway open and is breathing effective? Why or why not?

patient suffering from heat cramps

Heat cramps most often affect the muscles of the legs and abdomen. When the muscles of the abdomen are involved the pain may be severe. Suspect heat cramps in any patient with a sudden onset of abdominal cramps after exercising or working strenuously in a hot environment.

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