Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Recognize the Signs and Know What to Do
When camping and hiking in the summer heat, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and what to do if you or someone in your group begins exhibiting them. Heat related illness can be extremely serious and even result in death if left untreated. When in doubt, seek immediate medical treatment.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
Heat exhaustion occurs when a person is exercising or working in a hot environment and the body is unable to adequately cool itself. The body becomes dehydrated from water loss from excessive sweating that can result in a dangerous condition.
Without treatment, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke which can be life threatening. It is important when hiking in the hot summer months to recognize the signs and symptoms.
Signs & Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
Heavy sweating
Cold, pale, clammy skin with goose bumps
Weak, rapid pulse
Feeling faint or fainting
Dizziness
Fatigue
Nausea
Headache
Muscle cramps
Blood pressure drops upon standing up
Treatment for Heat Exhaustion
It’s important to treat heat exhaustion immediately upon experiencing symptoms so it doesn’t develop into heat stroke.
Stop All Activity: Stop all activity and immediately rest.
Move to a Cooler Place: Immediately get out of the sun. Look for a shady spot and lay down and rest. Remove any excess clothing. If there aren’t any trees to provide shade and you have a tarp, use it or anything else you can find to block the sun.
Splash Water on Your Head: Splash cool water on your face and head. If you’re near a water source, dunk your head in water. Wet your hat or bandana if wearing one and put it on your head.
Rehydrate: Drink plenty of water. If you have electrolytes or salt tablets, use them. Salty snacks or sports drinks will also help.
HEAT STROKE
Heat stroke is a serious medical condition that requires immediate treatment. It occurs when your body quite literally overheats. Body temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism designed to cool you off fails and the body cannot regulate its temperature or cool off. This condition can become life threatening quite quickly.
Body temperature can rise to 106°F or higher within only 10-15 minutes. Seek help immediately if you or anyone in your group is displaying signs and symptoms of heat stroke. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Signs & Symptoms of Heat Stroke
Throbbing headache
Dizziness
Loss of appetite and feeling sick
Nausea and vomiting
Excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
Fast breathing
Rapid pulse
Mental confusion
Disorientation
Anxiety
Extreme thirst
High fever of 103°F or higher
Treatment for Heat Stroke:
Cool Down and Lay Down: It’s imperative to rapidly cool a person with heat stroke. Immediately get the person out of the sun and lay him or her down in the shade, remove extra clothing and use cool water and fanning to lower temperature. If you’re near a lake or stream, lay the hiker down in the water, taking care to keep the airway clear. Be aware that cooling a person too rapidly can cause hypothermia.
Rehydrate: If the person is alert enough to drink, make them drink water or a sports drink. If you have electrolytes or salt tablets, add them to the water.
Seek Immediate Medical Care: Heat stroke can cause internal organ damage and is a true medical emergency. Seek help immediately. Do not delay.
Evacuate: If you’re in a remote area far from medical care, get the person out as soon as possible and head straight to the hospital for further evaluation. This is an emergency warranting evacuation.
Initial recovery from heat stroke takes about 1-2 days in the hospital or longer depending on whether or not organ damage is detected. Complete recovery can take months to a year.
TIPS TO AVOID OVERHEATING
Drink plenty of fluids and increase electrolyte consumption when camping or hiking in the heat.
Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol will dehydrate you.
Wear light weight, loose fitting clothes and do not overdress.
