76 What are the most common outdoor, hot-weather-related emergencies?

A survival situation may involve great physical exertions in hot-weather conditions. Additionally, prolonged or indefinite power outages and water shortages could occur as a result of a variety of disasters. Many folks today have become accustomed to air-conditioning and access to fans and cold drinks, and so are highly susceptible to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Children and the elderly are especially susceptible to heat related problems, and should be observed for the first signs of an issue. These conditions are much better avoided by limiting strenuous activities and exposure to the sun and maintaining a high level of hydration. A prolonged lack of the need to urinate or issuing dark yellow urine indicates inadequate hydration. Don’t wait for these signs to start drinking plenty of water. Because prolonged sweating will deplete the body of salt and other electrolytes needed for muscles, including the heart, sports drinks are preferable to water. Therefore, you may want to consider including powdered sports drink in your survival packs as well. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are the most common emergencies related to hot conditions.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion may be regarded as a precursor to heatstroke. The victim will feel weak and dizzy with pale, cool skin and profuse sweating as the body struggles to maintain a safe temperature. Get the victim to a cool, shaded location as fast as possible. If practical, have the victim lie down with feet elevated twelve to eighteen inches as you would for shock. Provide cool, but not cold, drinks. If available, provide electrolyte-enhanced “sports drinks.” Keep the victim at rest. Consider calling 911 for children and elderly or chronically ill victims.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke occurs when the body’s cooling system has failed. The victim is weak, dizzy, and will have a headache. The most recognizable symptom will be that there is no sweating and the victim will feel hot and dry to the touch. If the victim is not cooled rapidly, then organ damage, brain damage, and death will occur. If EMS is available, call 911 immediately. Cool the victim rapidly by any means available. Place cold packs under the armpits and at the neck and groin to cool the blood. If possible, place the victim in a cold bath or cold shower. Maintain efforts until the victim revives.

Those accustomed to hot and humid conditions should be especially cautious in dry, desert-like heat. Evaporation of moisture from the skin is rapid and the comfort can be misleading. Dehydration can occur before you feel thirsty, so drink water frequently.