Sunstroke (heatstroke) is a
life threatening medical emergency. It is one of the few medical emergencies where heroic measures
need to be taken immediately to help save the victims life. Sunstroke is the opposite of hypothermia. It’s
medical name is actually hyperpyrexia. Dehydration is usually the first warning signs of sunstroke,
although symptoms can strike suddenly. Just like hypothermia, where the body can no longer keep warm,
sunstroke is when the body can no longer regulate the temperature and it
soars out of control. Victims of sunstroke have had body temperatures of 110
degrees, and 106 is quite common. Without
immediate, heroic treatment, permanent brain damage or death can happen.
Sunstroke victims can have
severe headaches, vertigo, fatigue, sweating is usually but
not always decreased, some victims stop sweating, their skin is
red, hot and dry to the touch. Their
pulse can be racing over 160, disorientation, being argumentative,
combative, and complaining about being profoundly thirsty or that they
are burning up is very common, small or pin-point pupils,
unconsciousness and convulsions are the severest symptoms. As the temperature sores above 103 degrees and out of control,
circulatory collapse can occur resulting in death. Patients with severe sunstroke, where the body temperature got
above 105 degrees can experience permanent brain and/or kidney damage.
Sunstroke must be treated
immediately if proper medical facilities are not nearby. Sunstroke victims need to be wrapped in water soaked sheets or
bedding. Their bodies need
to be fanned. Placing them
in a cool lake or river (supporting their heads to keep it above water)
and drench the head. If all
else fails you can pour cool water, cold mud, or anything else possible
that is cool on them (except alcohol). Fanning their body also helps cause convection to aid in cooling
(when the body is wet). Cold packs on the neck, armpits, and groin area also help aid
in cooling. Make sure you
don’t cool the victim down too much and put them in a hypothermic
state. Do not administer
fluids, do not put rubbing alcohol on the skin, and do not give salt
tablets. Once the victim has become more stable, sips of sugary drinks
or water can be given. Immediate
medical attention is absolutely required. Never attempt to treat sunstroke on your own unless you are in
the field and heroic measures need to be taken.
Prevention of heat related
injuries are very simple and require just a little common sense:
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Wear a hat with a broad rim. Believe it or not, especially in extreme heat, a broad rimmed hat made of breathable material aids in keeping you cool. It keeps the sun from directly hitting the top of your heat, where almost 50% of our body heat loss occurs.
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Avoid sunburn. People with sunburns have a more difficult time regulating heat. When in hot climates with sun exposure use a proper sunscreen, being particularly sensitive to your face, nose, ears, back of your neck and your feet if you wear sandals without socks.
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Wear loose fitting clothing that allows sweat to evaporate quickly when in hot climates. Some companies make outstanding clothing out of hybrid synthetic materials blended with cotton that wick sweat away quickly and allows it to evaporate quickly.
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Drink plenty of fluids, at least one quart per hour in hot conditions. Non-carbonated sports drinks like Gatorade may help, as a small amount of salt in cool water. There is tremendous debate on taking salt tablets to prevent dehydration, our non-medical recommendation is to avoid salt tablets. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to have a drink (it’s already too late).
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Do not ignore your bodies warning signals. Cramps, nausea, weakness, dark urine or blood tinted urine, being profoundly sweaty, dizziness, and feelings of extreme thirst are all early warning signs of heat related injuries. Take the proper steps to protect yourself.
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Do not engage in desert hiking unless you have prior experience alone. Travel with a well-seasoned outfitter, take courses, and if you are in desert conditions avoid hiking during the heat of the day. If you must move take extra steps to remain hydrated. Don’t underestimate what the sun can do to you.
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Don’t drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks before during or immediately after exposure to heat while out in the field. Both of these negatively effect your body’s ability to regulate heat.
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If you or someone in your part is suffering from symptoms of heat injuries, seek proper medical treatment immediately.
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Canoe
