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Paramedics loading patient into ambulance in the snow

Environmental Emergencies: Recognition and Response for EMTs

Environmental emergencies pose significant challenges for emergency medical personnel, from managing heat and cold exposure to aquatic and altitude-related incidents. This comprehensive course equips EMTs and paramedics with the knowledge to assess, stabilize, and treat patients suffering from temperature extremes, water immersion, or atmospheric pressure changes. Learners will explore the pathophysiology of thermoregulation, hypothermia, heat illness, drowning, diving, and altitude emergencies, with emphasis on early recognition, field management, and prevention. Through case studies and evidence-based guidelines, this course strengthens prehospital care skills and decision-making for all levels of EMS professionals.

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Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Define an environmental emergency.
List the mechanisms of heat loss.
Define and list symptoms of hypothermia.
Differentiate between heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
State possible complications following a drowning event.
Define decompression illness.
Recognize which altitude illness is the most common and mildest form.
List interventions and treatments for altitude illnesses.

Curriculum

Chapter 1: Introduction to Environmental Emergencies, Thermoregulation, and Risk Factors

The Importance of Early Recognition
Defining Environmental Emergencies
Thermoregulation: How the Body Maintains Temperature
Mechanisms of Heat Gain and Loss
Case Study: The Hidden Risk

Chapter 2: Hypothermia and Frostbite

Understanding Hypothermia
- Assessment of the Hypothermic Patient
- Field Management of Hypothermia
- Case Study: Accidental Hypothermia
Frostbite
- Field Management of Frostbite
- Case Study: Deep Frostbite

Chapter 3: Heat-Related Emergencies

Understanding Heat Illness
Spectrum of Heat Illness
EMS Assessment and Management
Differentiating Fever from Heatstroke
Case Study: Exertional Heatstroke
Prevention and Patient Education

Chapter 4: Aquatic and Diving Emergencies

Understanding Drowning and Submersion Events
- Clinical Presentation of Drowning Victims
- EMS Assessment and Management of Drowning Victims
- Case Study: Drowning with Delayed Complications
Diving Emergencies
- Gas Laws Relevant to Diving
- Case Study: Decompression Illness

Chapter 5: Altitude-Related Illnesses

Atmospheric Changes with Altitude
Spectrum of Altitude Illness
Case Study: Combined HAPE and HACE
Operational Considerations for EMS Providers
References

Price: $12.00

Contact Hour: 1

Course Author

Brad Moore

Brad Moore is a dedicated public safety professional with over 18 years of service in emergency response. He has been a firefighter since 2021 and became a licensed paramedic in 2023, providing critical care in high-pressure situations. Before transitioning to Fire and EMS, Brad served for 12 years as a police officer, where he developed strong skills in leadership, crisis management, public safety, and community service. He is also a licensed EMS Instructor through the Texas Department of State Health Services, further extending his expertise in training and education for emergency responders.

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Course Accreditation

Provider approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services, course provides 1.00 contact hour(s). CE Program Approval Number #: 601011.