2025 Multiprofessional Critical Care Review: Adult Online-7: Trouble in the Environment

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Heather Lee Bailey discusses environmental emergencies in her presentation. She addresses extreme temperatures, burn care, electric injuries, and water-related challenges such as drowning and diving injuries. Heat stroke, particularly exertional and classic types, is highlighted as a major cause of environmental deaths. Rapid identification and cooling are crucial for successful treatment. Cold-related injuries, such as frostbite and hypothermia, require careful rewarming and monitoring for complications like rhabdomyolysis and coagulopathy.<br /><br />Burn injuries are the fourth most common trauma, with transfer to a burn center recommended for severe cases. Early debridement, moisture maintenance, and pain management are essential in burn care. Dr. Bailey emphasizes swift emergency measures for electric injuries and the importance of assessing potential internal injuries.<br /><br />For water-related incidents, drowning is a leading cause of death, highlighted by the significant risk among young boys. Initial management focuses on respiratory support over spinal precautions. Diving-related injuries demand careful post-dive evaluation, especially for decompression sickness and gas emboli, with hyperbaric therapy as a potential treatment. The presentation advocates preparedness and prompt intervention to improve outcomes in these environmental emergency situations.

Keywords

environmental emergencies

heat stroke

frostbite

burn injuries

electric injuries

drowning

decompression sickness

hyperbaric therapy

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