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Posted by FireAxes
- June 26, 2012, 10:49:50 PMQuote from: ATM on June 26, 2012, 10:34:51 PM
Good reminder, we have many more scorchers coming up.
Quote from: FireAxes on June 26, 2012, 10:24:55 PM
...avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee and pop.
...but that's just crazy talk right there.
I know, I know...
Just put a pinch of salt in that last cup.
Posted by dond
- June 26, 2012, 10:41:43 PMThank you FireAxes. This explains why I have leg cramps some nights after an AS. This information should be printed off and read until it has all been absorbed. And then carried with you to events.
Posted by ATM
- June 26, 2012, 10:34:51 PMGood reminder, we have many more scorchers coming up.
...but that's just crazy talk right there.
Quote from: FireAxes on June 26, 2012, 10:24:55 PM
...avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee and pop.
...but that's just crazy talk right there.Posted by FireAxes
- June 26, 2012, 10:24:55 PMI wanted to post up a reminder of the symptoms and first aid for heat illness.
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are muscle spasms which usually affect the arms, legs, or stomach. Frequently they don't occur until sometime later after work, at night, or when relaxing. Heat cramps are caused by heavy sweating, especially when water is replaced by drinking, but not salt or potassium. Although heat cramps can be quite painful, they usually don't result in permanent damage. To prevent them, drink electrolyte solutions such as Gatorade during the day and try eating more fruits like bananas.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is more serious than heat cramps. It occurs when the body's internal air-conditioning system is overworked, but hasn't completely shut down. In heat exhaustion, the surface blood vessels and capillaries which originally enlarged to cool the blood collapse from loss of body fluids and necessary minerals. This happens when you don't drink enough fluids to replace what you're sweating away.
The symptoms of heat exhaustion include: headache, heavy sweating, intense thirst, dizziness, fatigue, loss of coordination, nausea, impaired judgment, loss of appetite, hyperventilation, tingling in hands or feet, anxiety, cool moist skin, weak and rapid pulse (120-200), and low to normal blood pressure.
Somebody suffering these symptoms should be moved to a cool location such as a shaded area or air-conditioned building. Have them lie down with their feet slightly elevated. Loosen their clothing, apply cool, wet cloths or fan them. Have them drink water or electrolyte drinks. Try to cool them down, and have them checked by medical personnel. Victims of heat exhaustion should avoid strenuous activity for at least a day, and they should continue to drink water to replace lost body fluids.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a life threatening illness with a high death rate. It occurs when the body has depleted its supply of water and salt, and the victim's body temperature rises to deadly levels. A heat stroke victim may first suffer heat cramps and/or the heat exhaustion before progressing into the heat stroke stage, but this is not always the case. It should be noted that, on the job, heat stroke is sometimes mistaken for heart attack. It is therefore very important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stroke - and to check for them anytime an employee collapses while working in a hot environment.
The early symptoms of heat stroke include a high body temperature (103 degrees F); a distinct absence of sweating (usually); hot red or flushed dry skin; rapid pulse; difficulty breathing; constricted pupils; any/all the signs or symptoms of heat exhaustion such as dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, or confusion, but more severe; bizarre behavior; and high blood pressure. Advance symptoms may be seizure or convulsions, collapse, loss of consciousness, and a body temperature of over 108° F. It is vital to lower a heat stroke victim's body temperature. Seconds count. Pour water on them, fan them, and apply cold packs (neck, groin and armpits). No time to be shy, remove or loosen as much clothing as possible. Call 911 and get an ambulance on the way as soon as possible. If they can't be moved to an air conditioned building, move them to shade or a vehicle with the air on full blast if the ambulance has a long response time.
Anyone can suffer a heat illness, but by taking a few simple precautions, they can be prevented:
Condition yourself for working in hot environments - start slowly then build up to more physical work. Allow your body to adjust over a few days. This can be hard for us, we may work inside in air conditioning all week long. Then, we are outside all weekend. We have to do the best we can to adapt.
Drink lots of liquids. Don't wait until you're thirsty, by then, there's a good chance you're already on your way to being dehydrated. Electrolyte drinks are good for replacing both water and minerals lost through sweating. Never drink alcohol, and avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee and pop.
Take a break if you notice you're getting a headache or you start feeling overheated. Cool off for a few minutes before going back to work.
Wear light weight, light colored clothing when working out in the sun.
Some medications and medical conditions may make you heat/light sensitive.
I'll add a few Appleseed related helpful ideas.
A wash cloth, bandanna, or hand towel kept in a cooler and applied to back of the neck during breaks.
Instant cold packs can be used the same way. Throw them back in the cooler to keep them cool the rest of the day.
A simple oral rehydrate can be made with salt, sugar and water. Next time your at your favorite fast food place, grab some of those salt and sugar packs. throw some in your range bag with a bottle of water. Better than nothing when the Gatorade is long gone.
Another field expedient drink, half Coke(or Whatever, not diet) and half water.
One thing I have done many times. Immerse your forearms in cold water, you have lots of blood vessels close to surface there. This will quickly help cool you down. If your cooler is big enough, stick your arms in there!
I'm sure I've forgotten plenty, there is good info elsewhere on the board. I just wanted to throw out a quick read/reminder.
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are muscle spasms which usually affect the arms, legs, or stomach. Frequently they don't occur until sometime later after work, at night, or when relaxing. Heat cramps are caused by heavy sweating, especially when water is replaced by drinking, but not salt or potassium. Although heat cramps can be quite painful, they usually don't result in permanent damage. To prevent them, drink electrolyte solutions such as Gatorade during the day and try eating more fruits like bananas.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is more serious than heat cramps. It occurs when the body's internal air-conditioning system is overworked, but hasn't completely shut down. In heat exhaustion, the surface blood vessels and capillaries which originally enlarged to cool the blood collapse from loss of body fluids and necessary minerals. This happens when you don't drink enough fluids to replace what you're sweating away.
The symptoms of heat exhaustion include: headache, heavy sweating, intense thirst, dizziness, fatigue, loss of coordination, nausea, impaired judgment, loss of appetite, hyperventilation, tingling in hands or feet, anxiety, cool moist skin, weak and rapid pulse (120-200), and low to normal blood pressure.
Somebody suffering these symptoms should be moved to a cool location such as a shaded area or air-conditioned building. Have them lie down with their feet slightly elevated. Loosen their clothing, apply cool, wet cloths or fan them. Have them drink water or electrolyte drinks. Try to cool them down, and have them checked by medical personnel. Victims of heat exhaustion should avoid strenuous activity for at least a day, and they should continue to drink water to replace lost body fluids.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a life threatening illness with a high death rate. It occurs when the body has depleted its supply of water and salt, and the victim's body temperature rises to deadly levels. A heat stroke victim may first suffer heat cramps and/or the heat exhaustion before progressing into the heat stroke stage, but this is not always the case. It should be noted that, on the job, heat stroke is sometimes mistaken for heart attack. It is therefore very important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stroke - and to check for them anytime an employee collapses while working in a hot environment.
The early symptoms of heat stroke include a high body temperature (103 degrees F); a distinct absence of sweating (usually); hot red or flushed dry skin; rapid pulse; difficulty breathing; constricted pupils; any/all the signs or symptoms of heat exhaustion such as dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, or confusion, but more severe; bizarre behavior; and high blood pressure. Advance symptoms may be seizure or convulsions, collapse, loss of consciousness, and a body temperature of over 108° F. It is vital to lower a heat stroke victim's body temperature. Seconds count. Pour water on them, fan them, and apply cold packs (neck, groin and armpits). No time to be shy, remove or loosen as much clothing as possible. Call 911 and get an ambulance on the way as soon as possible. If they can't be moved to an air conditioned building, move them to shade or a vehicle with the air on full blast if the ambulance has a long response time.
Anyone can suffer a heat illness, but by taking a few simple precautions, they can be prevented:
Condition yourself for working in hot environments - start slowly then build up to more physical work. Allow your body to adjust over a few days. This can be hard for us, we may work inside in air conditioning all week long. Then, we are outside all weekend. We have to do the best we can to adapt.
Drink lots of liquids. Don't wait until you're thirsty, by then, there's a good chance you're already on your way to being dehydrated. Electrolyte drinks are good for replacing both water and minerals lost through sweating. Never drink alcohol, and avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee and pop.
Take a break if you notice you're getting a headache or you start feeling overheated. Cool off for a few minutes before going back to work.
Wear light weight, light colored clothing when working out in the sun.
Some medications and medical conditions may make you heat/light sensitive.
I'll add a few Appleseed related helpful ideas.
A wash cloth, bandanna, or hand towel kept in a cooler and applied to back of the neck during breaks.
Instant cold packs can be used the same way. Throw them back in the cooler to keep them cool the rest of the day.
A simple oral rehydrate can be made with salt, sugar and water. Next time your at your favorite fast food place, grab some of those salt and sugar packs. throw some in your range bag with a bottle of water. Better than nothing when the Gatorade is long gone.
Another field expedient drink, half Coke(or Whatever, not diet) and half water.
One thing I have done many times. Immerse your forearms in cold water, you have lots of blood vessels close to surface there. This will quickly help cool you down. If your cooler is big enough, stick your arms in there!
I'm sure I've forgotten plenty, there is good info elsewhere on the board. I just wanted to throw out a quick read/reminder.