Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Heat Exhaustion

It looks like it's going to be a long hot summer and I thought we should all be aware of the danger of heat exhaustion, how to recognize it, and what to do if it happens. I know of a couple of brushes we've had with it in the past and I don't want to see anybody get hurt by it if we can help it. Bruce, if you can think of anything to add please feel free.

Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is one of the heat-related syndromes, which range in severity from mild heat cramps to heat exhaustion to potentially life-threatening heatstroke.
Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion often begin suddenly, sometimes after excessive exercise, heavy perspiration, and inadequate fluid or salt intake. Signs and symptoms resemble those of shock and may include:
• Feeling faint or dizzy
• Nausea or vomiting
• Heavy sweating
• Rapid, weak heartbeat
• Low blood pressure
• Cool, moist, pale skin
• Low-grade fever
• Muscle cramps
• Weakness
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dark-colored urine
• Fast shallow breathing
If you suspect heat exhaustion:
• Get the person out of the sun and into a shady or air-conditioned location.
• Lay the person down and elevate the legs and feet slightly.
• Loosen or remove the person's clothing.
• Have the person drink cool water or other nonalcoholic beverage without caffeine.
• Cool the person by spraying or sponging him or her with cool water and fanning.
• Monitor the person carefully. Heat exhaustion can quickly become heatstroke.
• Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour.
• If fainting, confusion or seizures occur, call 911.
If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if: symptoms are severe, or the person has heart problems or high blood pressure.

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4 comments:

Nancy_P said...

Also check the medications you are taking. Some can severly react with sun and steriods can make your body temperature change rapidly from one extreme to the other. Please stop often when riding for water. I know some of us want to ride fast,hard and long and don't take the time to hidrate. You may get to where you are going but may be in an ambulance. Stop and drink!!!!! Thanks for pointing this out for us.

Miley said...

Wow,man. I'm flashin back to harpeth river ride last Saturday. 6 symptoms at least.

BOB G. said...

Thank you for the information.

coastdownhills said...

All good advice. All I might add is this is not the time to be pushing your self for longer and faster.
Bruce