Know what to look for

agrogod · Post by **agrogod** » Sun Jul 01, 2012 9:24 am

As the summers temps creep higher and higher, the post's of hot weather in your area bring me back to my Army training.

Know what the signs are for heat related problems not only with your scoot but also with you!

Excess heat outside can cause sunburn. Some symptoms of sunburn are skin redness and pain, possible swelling, blisters, fever, headaches. When this happens some first aid tips are to take a shower, using soap, to remove oils that may block pores preventing the body from cooling naturally. If blisters occur, apply dry, sterile dressings and get medical attention.

Heat Cramps are another result of too much sun. The symptoms for this could be painful spasms usually in leg and abdominal muscles. If this happens put firm pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue and seek medical attention.

Heat Exhaustion can also happen and is noticed by heavy sweating; weakness; skin cold, pale and clammy; weak pulse; normal temperature is possible and there may be fainting and vomiting. If this happens let victim lie down in a cool place. Loosen clothing; apply cool, wet cloths; fan or move victim to air-conditioned place; and give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue sips of water. If vomiting occurs, seek immediate medical attention.

There is always the possibility of Heat Stroke (Sun Stroke) if the body has a high temperature (106+). Noticeably would be hot, dry skin, rapid and strong pulse. There is the possibility of the victim becoming unconscious. The victim will likely not sweat. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 or emergency medical services or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. Move victim to a cooler environment. Try a cool bath or sponging to reduce body temperature. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing. Use fans and/or air conditioners. DO NOT GIVE FLUIDS.

Use a "buddy" or "good neighbor" system locally. Check frequently on elderly people living alone, and on others who may have trouble coping with hot weather.

KABarash · Post by **KABarash** » Sun Jul 01, 2012 1:29 pm

Best advice ever: Stay out of the heat if at all possible.

I spent many years working out doors and have learned my lesson. I've been 'down' from the heat many times.
One time in particular, was several hours after work, I 'thought' I was cooled off and/or etc and blam. down I go!
I was at a friend's house with my son chatting in his driveway, when I came to, I proceeded to tell my son how to treat me, I had been out aprox 3 mins, I was already on IV fluids........
My son is an Army Medic and his aid bag is always within reach.

Remember, when replacing fluids, re-hydrating, don't repeat, don't rely just on sports drinks, go about 50-50% with plain old fashioned water, sports drinks can actually DE-hydrate you.

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Sun Jul 01, 2012 1:50 pm

Excellent post!

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are very real problems and occur more frequently than we might suspect.

Rob

LunaP · Post by **LunaP** » Sun Jul 01, 2012 3:04 pm

+1

We've had lots of power outages and some counties have had to open cooling shelters and keep libraries, etc open later hours.

Please also remember most of these things also apply to your pets! LEAVE FIDO AT HOME IN THIS WEATHER! A cracked window is NOT enough in this crazy heat.

Aguacate · Post by **Aguacate** » Sun Jul 01, 2012 10:41 pm

be careful with overconsumption of plain water...we just had a 30 year old endurance athlete die of hyponatremia....totally preventable death, so heartbreaking.

michelle_7728 · Post by **michelle_7728** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 8:00 am

Sometimes it's helpful to put almost as much ON you as IN you (well, that may be an exaggeration). But I've heard of people putting wet washclothes under their helmet. Certainly you can put a wet washcloth around the back of your neck. And putting an ice pack under your jacket (NOT next to your skin...make sure you put something between your skin and the icepack)--you might be amazed how well that works--along with keeping hydrated, of course!

agrogod · Post by **agrogod** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 9:42 pm

I have a bandanna type thing that has a gel type material sew into it. Holds about 100X its weight in water, can be worn around the neck or fore head, and will help keep you cool for hours. Forget what its called but I am so glad I have it.

PIStaker · Post by **PIStaker** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 10:34 pm

Camelbak

scootavaran · Post by **scootavaran** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 11:52 pm

monamibuddy wrote:Camelbak

Yep during summers I hardly leave home without one.

<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd4 ... tled-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd4 ... tled-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Untitled"></a>

agrogod · Post by **agrogod** » Thu Jul 05, 2012 9:04 am

^^ Ah, thanks, now I know what to call it so I can forget again. And just so there is no confusion here are some pics.

heatherkay · Post by **heatherkay** » Thu Jul 05, 2012 4:14 pm

That's not a camelbak. A camelbak is basically a canteen backpack. I'm not sure what that is, but it sounds like it's a high tech version of my bandanna in the freezer trick

agrogod · Post by **agrogod** » Thu Jul 05, 2012 10:32 pm

So what you are saying Heather is that, I did not forget to remember that I forgot, I just didn't remember in the first place

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Thu Jul 05, 2012 11:52 pm

Excess heat outside can cause sunburn.

To clarify; sun anywhere at any temperature can cause sunburn. You can get sunburned in the pool. In fact, you can get sunburned more quickly at elevation because there is less air to filter UV rays; so heading up to Mt Washington or Rocky Mtn Nat'l Park may well get you more sunburned than if you'd just stayed in Hampton Beach or down at Chatsworth.

agrogod · Post by **agrogod** » Fri Jul 06, 2012 9:11 am

Very good points Syd, now its official, my mind is going, I just wish it would take me with it.