During
a heat wave, it's important to know and be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heat-related illness. There are different
types of heat-related illnesses, ranging from those that cause temporary discomfort to the generally fatal condition known as heat
stroke. In all heat-related illnesses, the symptoms appear when a person is exposed to extreme temperatures.
The following checklist can help you recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses:
Heat Rash: Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It can occur at any age but is most common in young children. Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters.
Heat cramps: A person who has been exercising or participating in other types of strenuous activity in the heat may develop painful muscle spasms in the arms, legs, or abdomen referred to as heat cramps. The body temperature is usually normal, and the skin will feel moist and cool, but sweaty.
Heat syncope: Someone who experiences heat syncope (fainting) will experience the sudden onset of dizziness or fainting after exposure to high temperatures, particularly after exercising in the heat. As with heat cramps, the skin is pale and sweaty but remains cool. The pulse may be weakened, and the heart rate is usually rapid. Body temperature is normal.
Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion is a warning that the body is getting too hot. Those most prone to heat exhaustion include elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment. A person with heat exhaustion may be thirsty, giddy, weak, uncoordinated, nauseous and sweating profusely. As with heat syncope and heat cramps, the body temperature is usually normal in heat exhaustion. The heart rate (pulse rate) is normal or elevated. The skin is usually cold and clammy.
Heat
stroke: Heat stroke is a serious, life-threatening condition that occurs when the body loses its ability to control its temperature.
Victims of heat stroke almost always die, so immediate medical attention is essential when problems first begin. In heat stroke, a
person develops a fever that rapidly rises to dangerous levels within minutes. A person with heat stroke usually has a body temperature
above 104 F (40 C), but the temperature may rise even higher. Other symptoms and signs of heat stroke may include confusion, combativeness,
bizarre behavior, feeling faint, staggering, strong rapid pulse, dry flushed skin, and lack of sweating. Delirium or coma can also
result from heat stroke.
While heat cramps, heat syncope, and heat exhaustion may all be present in mild degrees, you should always
contact a doctor or seek emergency medical attention if the symptoms of these conditions are severe or worsen with time.
Heat stroke
is a true medical emergency. If a person has the symptoms of heat stroke, you should notify emergency services (911) immediately.
Heat exhaustion usually can be treated at home as long as the
affected individual can maintain proper hydration. Water, electrolyte replacement solutions or sport drinks are appropriate to consume.
If nausea and vomiting prevent rehydration, the individual should seek medical attention.
Muscles cramps can be severe and if stretching
and rehydration cannot relieve recurrent cramps, medical care may be necessary.
It is important to recognize that if the person stops
sweating, becomes confused, or has a seizure, heat stroke, a life-threatening condition, may be developing. Emergency medical services
should be activated immediately (call 911 if available) and move the affected individual to a cooler place, remove their clothing,
and try to cool the body with cold compresses, ice, and oscillating fans.
The other day OHV enthusiasts (late September) were up at Havasu Falls (also known as Bison Falls) straight up from Bison Road, Lake Havasu City area. From the water fall where the trail goes to the left, mid slope (where you need some momentum to get up the hill) the group located approximately 20-30 lbs of new 16 penny nails spread the width of the trail for 20-30 yards. The group spent a lot of time picking up all the nails that they could see. With our wheeling season getting ready to start we need to keep in mind that there will always be trail hazards out there. Whether they were placed there intentionally or not is a different story. I have passed the info to BLM to look into it.
Shane Miller, Secretary - Parker 4 Wheelers, Inc.
It's wheeling season once again, thankfully. It's also the time of year that our sport causes enormous resentment for those who believe that the roads and trails on public lands should not be used by motorized recreationists! They are extremely vicious in their so-called "ideology" and have gone to extremes such as stringing wire across ATV trails at neck height; putting spiked wooden planks across dirt roads and trails; shattered glass across trails, etc. These actions also pose a threat for bicyclists and equestrians. Just a warning, folks. Be alert and contact public land managers if you happen to see such actions. [Ed]