This past weekend, when temps here in town were 104 on Saturday and 103 on Sunday (with heat indexes around 110), maintainers and volunteers were in the mountains, working on the AT. Two sawyer crews were out, one on Friday and one Saturday, to take care of any blow downs as a result of the derecho that blew through on Friday the 29th. The Konnarock Crew arrived on July 5th and they are leaving on the 9th after spending the weekend rehabbing a long stretch of rock steps on the AT sections west of the BRP and doing some other smaller projects as well. Being out and about and especially working in such high heat and humidity can be a dangerous proposition if you don't keep an eye on each other, stay properly hydrated, and know when to take a break or even when it's time to call it quits.
There is an interesting story online (from 3 perspectives: wife, hiker, ranger) that shows how quickly someone can get into trouble, even when an experienced hiker. It's worth paying attention to the "lessons learned" from this experience by the hiker:
Someone pointed out to me a recent column by Dr. Donahue where he discusses what to drink in the heat and humidity when working (the example used was construction work). He says that for an hour or two hours (moderate work & pacing yourself), plain water is just fine; however, for longer periods of time you need to replace the sodium and potassium loss that comes from sweating. Here is Dr. Donahue's "recipe" for a make-it-yourself sports drink:
"Add half a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of baking soda along with three tablespoons of sugar to one quart of water. For a full day of work, you'll need three quarts to play it safe". (1)
Personally, I find that water just doesn't cut it for me if it's hot enough that I'm sweating - I need something with electrolytes; however, for some people, water is all they want to drink. If you normally carry only sports drinks, carrying at least a pint/quart or two of plain water is a good thing - you never know when you might have to wet down a bandana, wash off a skinned knee or have some other use for (plain) water that is not loaded up with sugar, salt, and gosh knows what else that could be a sticky, bug-attracting proposition. Carrying a powdered sports drink (Gatorade, Dr. Donahue's recipe, etc.) that can be mixed in with plain water is a really good compromise - just pre-measure the amount you want, put it in a zip-lock bag and carry it along, then add it to your water if/when you need it.
With the high heat & humidity we have been having, it is worth reviewing the symptoms/treatment for heat exhaustion & heat stroke. Always be aware that out on the trail, depending on where you are, help could be hours away and some of the measures for dealing with heat exhaustion/stroke situations may or may not be immediately available so prevention and early recognition/intervention is critical:
Recognizing Heat Exhaustion (2)
Warning signs of heat exhaustion include the following:
- Heavy sweating
- Paleness
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
- Symptoms are severe
- The victim has heart problems or high blood pressure
What to Do
Cooling measures that may be effective include the following:
- Cool, nonalcoholic beverages
- Rest
- Cool shower, bath, or sponge bath
- An air-conditioned environment
- Lightweight clothing
Heat Stroke (2)
Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. The body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.
Recognizing Heat Stroke
Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following:
- An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F, orally)
- Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following:
- Get the victim to a shady area.
- Cool the victim rapidly using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.
- Monitor body temperature, and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F.
- If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
- Do not give the victim fluids to drink.
- Get medical assistance as soon as possible.
LINKS
Here are the link sources for the information above - additional information is also available at the links:
(1) Heat Duration Dictates What Liquids To Drink (Dr. Donahue)
(2) Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety (CDC)
Some more links with information:
Survive Outdoors Inc.: Heat Exhaustion (in particular, see 'Healthcare Provider - Medical Treatment' for very interesting info/details)
Survive Outdoors, Inc: Heat Stroke (in particular, see 'Healthcare Provider - Medical Treatment' for very interesting info/details)
Tips to Avoid Heat Exhaustion (and Worse) - REI blog
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