Radiation injuries Remove yourself and others from the area where there is radiation to prevent and reduce injuries from radioactive material. Save this page as a PDF Radiation sources exist in a variety of fields including industry, medicine and research. Radiation injuries can occur when there...
Decompression illnessAccess emergency medical services immediately and administer oxygen (if specifically trained). Save this page as a PDF Decompression illness results from a reduction in the ambient pressure surrounding a person’s body. It is commonly caused by pressure changes that occur...
Motion sicknessStop travelling if possible, to allow the person time to recover and take corrective action. Save this page as a PDF Motion sickness is caused when the brain’s estimate of motion is different from what the person is actually experiencing. The person’s eyes, balance...
Altitude sickness Take the person to a lower altitude as quickly and safely as possible. Save this page as a PDF Altitude sickness occurs when people at a high altitude do not have enough oxygen in their blood because the air pressure is too low. As altitude increases, the air becomes thinner and...
Frostbite Gently immerse the affected area in warm water until it is rewarmed (usually 30 minutes). Save this page as a PDF Frostbite is damage to the skin and other tissues caused by extreme cold. When it is cold (at or below 0ºC) or there are strong winds, the human body tries to preserve...
HypothermiaGradually warm the person using the most appropriate equipment available. Save this page as a PDF Hypothermia is a condition in which the body’s core temperature drops below 35ºC (95ºF) and cannot function properly: the blood circulation reduces significantly, especially...
DehydrationGive the person plenty of fluids to drink. Save this page as a PDF Dehydration is a shortage of water in the body and occurs when a person loses more fluid than they take in. It can result from a range of conditions (vomiting, diarrhoea, heat stress, fever, etc.), vigorous activity in...
HyperthermiaRapidly cool the person to reduce their body temperature. Save this page as a PDF Hyperthermia is a condition in which the body reaches abnormally high temperatures because it cannot regulate its internal temperature. It is caused when the body produces or absorbs too much heat or...