Note:<\/strong> This is not intended to be a comprehensive resource for wilderness safety and first aid, but instead highlights some common hazards that you might encounter and identifies response strategies developed by professionals. You should always refer to the most current guidelines issued by appropriate training agencies, such as the American Heart Association for CPR protocols.<\/p>\n Heat-related illnesses range from mild (heat rash) to severe (heat stroke). These illnesses can affect anyone but are entirely preventable. It is important that you understand key signs and symptoms of these illnesses and recognize when it is necessary to seek emergency medical treatment.<\/p>\n High temperature is not the only environmental hazard to keep in mind. Dry air increases dehydration, which can reduce the formation of sweat on the body for cooling. In contrast, high humidity reduces the effectiveness of your body\u2019s cooling process because the surrounding air is saturated with water preventing sweat from evaporating, which causes your body to retain heat rather than losing it.<\/p>\n Heat cramps <\/strong><\/p>\n What to look for <\/em> How to respond<\/em><\/p>\n Read more:<\/em> https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/first-aid\/first-aid-heat-cramps\/basics\/art-20056669 <\/a><\/p>\n What to look for <\/em> Symptoms include:<\/p>\n How to respond <\/em> It is possible that the victim may lose consciousness. If they do, continue to monitor their breathing and heart rate closely and continue efforts to cool them. If symptoms persist for longer than 1 hour, conditions worsen, or the victim is throwing up, contact emergency medical services. Untreated, heat exhaustion may lead to heat stroke which is an immediate medical emergency.<\/p>\n Read more:<\/em> https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/heat-exhaustion\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20373250 <\/a><\/p>\n Heat stroke<\/strong><\/p>\n What to look for <\/em> Symptoms include: <\/em><\/p>\n How to respond <\/em> It is possible that the victim may lose consciousness. If they do, continue to monitor their breathing and heart rate closely and continue efforts to cool them.<\/p>\n If the person starts to vomit, place them in the recovery position<\/a>\u00a0to avoid a choking hazard. In the case of heat stroke, you do NOT want to give the person anything to drink because it may induce vomiting or the person may not be able to swallow properly.<\/p>\nPart 2: Sun and Heat Safety<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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\nProlonged exercise in hot environments may lead to involuntary spasms or cramping in muscles. These are usually more intense and prolonged than a typical leg cramp. It is most common for muscles in your calves, arms, abdomen, or back to be affected but heat cramps may occur in any muscle group that is being utilized during your activity.<\/p>\n\n
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<\/a>Heat exhaustion <\/strong><\/p>\n
\nHeat exhaustion is a result of your body becoming overheated due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures. This may be compounded by strenuous physical activity (such as fieldwork) and high air humidity.<\/p>\n\n
\nMove the person to a cool place (shade, air conditioned vehicle, nearby building, etc.) and take steps to cool them with wet clothes. Apply wet clothes or ice packs to areas of the body with major arteries such as the neck and armpits. This will speed the cooling of the core body temperature.<\/p>\n
\nHeat stroke is the most severe heat illness and is specifically characterized by a body temperature that exceeds 103\u00b0F\/40\u00b0C. If left untreated, heat stroke can damage critical organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys, and in extreme cases may lead to death. Sudden exposure to hot weather, such as traveling to a hotter climate to conduct fieldwork, can increase the risk of heat stroke. Certain health conditions and medications may also increase your risk so always start slow and evaluate how you (and your team) are responding to the environment.<\/p>\n\n
\nCall 9-1-1 immediately.<\/strong> Heat stroke is a medical emergency. After contacting emergency services, move the person to a cooler place (shade, air conditioned vehicle, nearby building, etc.) and take steps to cool them by applying damp clothes. If possible, place them in an ice-bath but be sure to monitor their condition closely and be prepared to support their body.<\/p>\n
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<\/a>Tips for hydration:<\/strong><\/p>\n