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One of the most important aspects of heat exhaustion and God forbid heat stroke is to keep an eye on yourself and each other if your in a two man system. Aside from taking all the precautions you can at the first sign of symptoms get yourself out of the game. Aside from staying at a Holiday Inn last night and feeling very smart this info is easily accessible on the internet.
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[b]Heat exhaustion[b/] 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 intake. Signs and symptoms resemble those of shock and include:
Feeling faint
Nausea
Ashen appearance
Rapid heartbeat
Low blood pressure
Hot, red, dry or sweaty skin
Low-grade fever, generally less than 104 F
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 feet slightly. Loosen or remove the person's clothing.
Have the person drink cool water, not iced, or a sports drink containing electrolytes. Cool the person by spraying him or her with cool water and fanning. Monitor the person carefully. Heat exhaustion can quickly become heatstroke. If fever especially greater than 104 F, fainting, confusion or seizures occur, dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance.
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Heatstroke is similar to heat cramps and heat exhaustion. It's one of the heat-related problems that often result from heavy work in hot environments, usually accompanied by inadequate fluid intake. Older adults, people who are obese and people born with an impaired ability to sweat are at high risk of heatstroke. Other risk factors include dehydration, alcohol use, cardiovascular disease and certain medications.
What makes this syndrome much more severe and potentially life-threatening is the fact that the body's normal mechanisms for dealing with heat stress, such as sweating and temperature control, are lost. The main sign of heatstroke is a markedly elevated body temperature generally greater than 104 F with changes in mental status ranging from personality changes to confusion and coma. Skin may be hot and dry, although in heatstroke caused by exertion, the skin is usually moist.
Other signs and symptoms may include:
Rapid heartbeat
Rapid and shallow breathing
Elevated or lowered blood pressure
Cessation of sweating
Irritability, confusion or unconsciousness
Fainting, which may be the first sign in older adults
If you suspect heatstroke:
Move the person out of the sun and into a shady or air-conditioned space. Dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance. Cool the person by covering him or her with damp sheets or by spraying with cool water. Direct air onto the person with a fan or newspaper.
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