Emergency Plan Manual

AHCA Form 3110-1022, Rev March 2013 Rule 59A-8.027, Florida Administrative Code http://ahca.myflorida.com/MCHQ/Health_Facility_Regulation/Home_Care/HHA/index.shtml#other . Page 45 of 54 OTHER HAZARD AND THREATS MITIGATION ACTIVITIES Care-related emergencies : Heat-Related Illnesses - Home Emergency Treatment Heat syncope (fainting) usually does not last long and improves when you lie down to a flat position. It is helpful to lie in a cooler environment. Heat edema (swelling) is treated with rest and by elevating your legs. If you are standing for a long time in a hot environment, flex your leg muscles often so that blood does not pool in your lower legs, which can lead to heat edema and fainting. Heat cramps are treated by getting out of the heat and replacing fluids and salt. If you are not on a salt- (sodium-) restricted diet, eat a little more salt, such as a few nuts or pretzels. Do not use salt tablets, because they are absorbed slowly and can cause irritation of the stomach. Try massaging and stretching your cramped muscles. Heat rash usually gets better and goes away without treatment. Antihistamines may help if you are having problems with itching. Keep areas clean and dry to help prevent a skin infection. Do not use baby powder while a rash is present. The powder can build up in the skin creases and hold moisture, allowing the growth of bacteria that may cause infection. Dress in as few clothes as possible during hot weather. Keep your home, especially sleeping areas, cool. To mitigate severe Heat , recommend: install window air conditioners snugly; insulate. Service existent A/C units. Install window tinting. Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in. During severe heat season recommend: Stay indoors as much as possible. Limit exposure to the sun. Eat well-balanced, light, & regular meals. Avoid using salt. Drink plenty of water. Limit alcohol use. Dress in lightweight clothing. Never leave children in closed vehicles. Avoid strenuous work. Symptoms to watch for during home treatment : Call Patient’s doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment: A seizure occurs. Decreased mental alertness develops. Shortness of breath develops symptoms become more severe or frequent. Emergency first aid for heatstroke is needed immediately because this condition is life-threatening. After calling patient’s physician and/or other emergency medical services, follow these first aid steps: Move the person into a cool place, out of direct sunlight. Remove the person's unnecessary clothing and place the person on his or her side to expose as much skin surface to the air as possible. Cool the person's entire body by sponging or spraying cold water, and fan the person to help lower the person's body temperature. Watch for signs of rapidly progressing heatstroke, such as seizure, unconsciousness for longer than a few seconds, and moderate to severe difficulty breathing. Apply ice packs over as much of the body as you can. Check the person's rectal temperature, and try to cool it to 102°F (39°C) or lower as soon as possible. The longer the body is at a high temperature, the more serious the illness and the more likely it is that complications will develop. Temperatures taken by mouth or in the ear are not accurate in this emergency situation. If a person has stopped breathing, begin CPR. Do not give any medicine to reduce a high body temperature that can occur with heatstroke. Medicines may cause problems because of the body's response to heatstroke. If the person is awake and alert enough to swallow, give the person fluids [32 fl oz (1 L) to 64 fl oz (2 L) over 1 to 2 hours] for hydration. Most people with heatstroke have an altered level of consciousness and cannot safely be given fluids to drink. You may have to help. Make sure the person is sitting up enough so that he or she does not choke. Home treatment for mild heat-related illness When recognized in the early stages, most heat-related illnesses, such as mild heat exhaustion, can be treated at home. Recommend to your patients: stop your activity, and rest. Get out of direct sunlight and lie down in a cooler environment, such as shade or an air-conditioned area. Elevate your feet. Remove all unnecessary clothing. Cool down by applying cool compresses or having a fan blow on you. Place under your arms and in your groin area, where large blood vessels lie close to the skin surface, to cool down quickly. Drink rehydration drinks, juices, or water to replace fluids. Drink 2 qt (2 L) of cool fluids over 2 to 4 hours. You are drinking enough fluids if your urine is normal in color and amount and you are urinating every 2 to 4 hours. Total rehydration with oral fluids usually takes about 36 hours, but most people will begin to feel better within a few hours. Rest for 24 hours, and continue fluid replacement with a rehydration drink. Rest from any strenuous physical activity for 1 to 3 days. Equipment and power failures: A medical device is any product or equipment used to diagnose a disease or other conditions, to cure, to treat or to prevent disease. We care about our customers and recognize that some face special challenges, for example customers who rely on electricity to power life-support equipment in their homes, such as respirators or kidney dialysis machines. A home use medical device is intended for users in any environment, apart from the professional healthcare facility or the emergency medical services, requires adequate instructions for use, and may also require training for the user by a qualified healthcare professional to assure safe and effective use. As safety precautions, before possible power failure: Charge cell phones and any battery powered devices. Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it. Purchase ice or freeze water-filled plastic containers to help keep food cold during a temporary power outage. Keep your car’s gas tank full-gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps. If you use your car to re-charge devices, do NOT keep the car running in a garage, partially enclosed space, or close to a home, this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by visiting your state’s or local website so you can locate the closest cooling and warming shelters. If you rely on anything that is battery-operated or power dependent like a Angel Home Care Services, Inc.