Patient Assessment & Triage Flashcards

During a summer prescribed burn, a lighter becomes confused, stops sweating normally, and has hot skin. What is the most likely condition?

Answer: Heat stroke

Altered mental status with high body temperature indicates heat stroke, a life-threatening emergency.

What is the priority field treatment for a crewmember with suspected heat stroke?

Answer: Rapid aggressive cooling and immediate medical evacuation

Heat stroke requires immediate cooling and evacuation because delays increase the risk of organ damage and death.

A firefighter reports muscle pain, weakness, and dark cola-colored urine after a long, hot holding shift. Which condition should be suspected?

Answer: Exertional rhabdomyolysis

Dark urine with muscle pain and weakness after heavy exertion are warning signs of rhabdomyolysis, which needs medical evaluation.

A crewmember who drank large amounts of plain water all day becomes nauseated, confused, and has a headache. Which condition is most likely?

Answer: Hyponatremia

Drinking excessive water without replacing electrolytes can dilute blood sodium and cause hyponatremia.

Where should ice packs be placed for the most effective cooling of a heat stroke patient when immersion is not available?

Answer: Neck, armpits, and groin

Large blood vessels near the skin in the neck, armpits, and groin allow faster heat removal.

What is the recommended field care for heat exhaustion that has no change in mental status?

Answer: Move to shade, rest, loosen clothing, and replace fluids and electrolytes

Heat exhaustion is treated with rest, cooling, and fluid and electrolyte replacement, with close monitoring for worsening.

Which practice best supports early detection of heat illness on a burn crew?

Answer: Using the buddy system to watch each other for behavior changes

Heat-affected people often do not notice their own decline, so peers watching each other catch problems sooner.