Thermal Related Injuries (Heat and Cold Related)

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Very young children may not be able to tell school personnel if they are too hot or cold. School personnel should remind children to take rest breaks and drink water. Children may insist they are not too hot or cold because they are enjoying being outside during their educational program. Lastly, adolescents need education on the importance of wearing proper clothing for the weather. 

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Students who participate in strenuous activity in the heat may experience heat-related illness. Symptoms may include:

  • Red, hot, dry skin
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Cool, clammy hands
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of consciousness

General actions to address a student who is unconscious or losing consciousness while experiencing a heat-related illness in school or their program:

  • Quickly remove the student from the heat to a cooler place
  • Put the student in the recovery position on their side to protect the airway
  • If a student stops breathing, start CPR
  • Notify the school nurse (if available), the student’s parents, and EMS if applicable
  • Cool rapidly by completely wetting clothing with room temperature water (Do not use ice water)

General actions to address a student who is conscious and experiencing a heat-related illness while in school or their program:

  • Remove the student from the heat to a cooler place
  • Have the student lie down
  • Give clear fluids such as water frequently in small amounts if the student is fully awake and alert
  • Notify the school nurse (if applicable) and the student’s parents
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Hypothermia happens after exposure to cold when the body is no longer capable of warming itself. Young children are particularly susceptible to hypothermia. It can be a life-threatening condition if left untreated for too long.

Hypothermia can occur after a student has been outside in the cold or in cold water. Symptoms may include:

  • Confusion or slurred speech
  • Weakness or sleepiness
  • Blurry vision
  • Shivering
  • White or grayish skin color
  • Impaired judgment

General actions to address a student who is unconscious or losing consciousness, experiencing slurred speech, confusion, slowed breathing, or white, grayish, blue skin while experiencing hypothermia in school or their program:

  • CALL EMS immediately
  • Give nothing by mouth.
  • Continue to warm the student with blankets.
  • If the student is asleep or losing consciousness, place the student in the recovery position on their side to protect the airway.
  • If the student stops breathing, start CPR.

General actions to address a student who is conscious while experiencing hypothermia in school or their program:

  • Continue to warm the student with blankets
  • If the student is fully awake and alert, offer warm (NOT HOT) fluids, but no food
  • Notify the school nurse (if available) and the parents
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