Basic First Aid On The Trail: Heatstroke
How To Treat & Deal With Heatstroke On The Trail
When things become too hot for the body to handle, an individual will become susceptible to heatstroke. Heatstroke is a condition in which the body cannot regulate it’s temperature when it is too hot. This may occur instantly when the body’s temperature reaches levels above 104 degrees F. Knowing what to do when heatstroke strikes may be a matter of life and death. It should be mentioned that this is not a condition that will only take place when outside temperatures are hot.
The body has ways to regulate it’s own temperature, namely by sweating. Sweating is an effective control but is only so effective. When conditions are dry and hot, heatstroke is most common. This condition carries with it the possibilities of severe organ damage and can happen repeatedly over time, even hours later.
Preventing Heatstroke Before It Starts
While some factors are outside of an individual’s control, there are steps you can preemptively take to reduce your risk of heatstroke. Drinking enough or slightly more than enough water are key. Pacing yourself when doing physical activity in hot environments can help. Also, the clothing and layers you are wearing also come into play. Taking time to cool down is important as well. Knowing what conditions you should expect to face is important to understand how to prepare.
Treating Heatstroke Before It Becomes Bad
Doing everything you can to prevent heatstroke is great, and you should. But you also should be able to effectively treat this condition if it strikes. Consider what you would do if a friend or relative where experiencing heat stroke, what would you do? How would you be able to recognize it? What are the signs? Heatstroke symptoms incude: body temperature above 104 degrees F, fast pulse, very hot & flushed skin, confusion, headache and dizziness. When you or someone you know exhibits these symptoms it is time to consider options on what you can do.
The first step is to move that person or yourself into a cooler or shaded environment. Make sure that their breathing is constant and airways are unobstructed. Reduce body temperature as quickly as possible. Use cool water and/or fan the person. Remove clothing which may keep hot air close to or insulate the body. Wet clothing may be dropped over the person to aid in cooling. If you can, completely immerse the person in cool water. This is a highly effective technique. Promote movement and circulation by messaging arms and legs. Keep in mind pulse and responsiveness of the person at all times to note condition.
Always seek medical attention when it comes to heatstroke. It may creep up hours after striking and being treated. Organ damage or failure are known to occur.
In The End
In the end you should be able to recognize heatstroke, understand the steps to take to treat and always seek medical attention after. You don’t want yourself or those you care with to suffer this condition. Ensure you take the proper steps to reduce your risk before it happens. Remember, reducing bodily temperature before further damage is the main goal here. Don’t become a victim of heatstroke and protect those around you.
