Desert Survival Question & Answer Series: Question #2

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 Question #2: What are the various heat related illnesses that one might encounter in a desert survival scenario?

Answer: Heat-related illnesses can occur when the body is unable to properly cool itself, usually as a result of exposure to high temperatures, humidity, physical exertion, or in the unfortunate event of being in a desert survival situation.

Heat Stroke: Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death if the person does not receive emergency treatment.

Symptoms

  • Symptoms of heat stroke include:
    • Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech
    • Loss of consciousness (coma)
    • Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
    • Seizures
    • Very high body temperature
    • Fatal if treatment delayed

First Aid

  • Take the following steps to treat a worker with heat stroke:
    • Call 911 for emergency medical care.
    • Stay with the worker until emergency medical services arrive.
    • Move the worker to a shaded, cool area and remove outer clothing.
    • Cool the worker quickly, using the following methods:
    • With a cold water or ice bath, if possible
    • Wet the skin
    • Place cold wet cloths on the skin
    • Soak clothing with cool water
    • Circulate the air around the worker to speed cooling.
    • Place cold wet cloths or ice on the head, neck, armpits, and groin; or soak the clothing with cool water.


Heat Exhaustion: Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. Heat exhaustion is most likely to affect:

  • The elderly
  • People with high blood pressure
  • Those working in a hot environment

Symptoms

  • Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
    • Headache
    • Nausea
    • Dizziness
    • Weakness
    • Irritability
    • Thirst
    • Heavy sweating
    • Elevated body temperature
    • Decreased urine output

First Aid

  • Treat a worker who has heat exhaustion by doing the following:
    • Take worker to a clinic or emergency room for medical evaluation and treatment.
    • Call 911 if medical care is unavailable.
    • Have someone stay with the worker until help arrives.
    • Remove the worker from the hot area and give liquids to drink.
    • Remove unnecessary clothing, including shoes and socks.
    • Cool the worker with cold compresses or have the worker wash their head, face, and neck with cold water.
    • Encourage frequent sips of cool water.

Rhabdomyolysis: Rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) is a medical condition associated with heat stress and prolonged physical exertion. Rhabdo causes the rapid breakdown, rupture, and death of muscle. When muscle tissue dies, electrolytes and large proteins are released into the bloodstream. This can cause irregular heart rhythms, seizures, and damage to the kidneys.

Symptoms

  • Symptoms of rhabdo include:
    • Muscle cramps/pain
    • Abnormally dark (tea or cola-colored) urine
    • Weakness
    • Exercise intolerance
    • Asymptomatic
First Aid
  • Workers with symptoms of rhabdo should:
    • Stop activity
    • Drink more liquids (water preferred)
    • Seek immediate care at the nearest medical facility.
    • Ask to be checked for rhabdomyolysis (i.e., blood sample analyzed for creatine kinase).

Heat Syncope: Heat syncope is a fainting (syncope) episode or dizziness that usually occurs when standing for too long or suddenly standing up after sitting or lying. Factors that may contribute to heat syncope include dehydration and lack of acclimatization.

Symptoms

  • Symptoms of heat syncope include:
    • Fainting (short duration)
    • Dizziness
    • Light-headedness from standing too long or suddenly rising from a sitting or lying position

First Aid

  • Workers with heat syncope should:
    • Sit or lie down in a cool place.
    • Slowly drink water, clear juice, or a sports drink.

Heat Cramps: Heat cramps usually affect workers who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. This sweating depletes the body’s salt and moisture levels. Low salt levels in muscles cause painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.

Symptoms

  • Muscle cramps, pain, or spasms in the abdomen, arms, or legs

First Aid

  • Workers with heat cramps should do the following:
  • Drink water and have a snack or a drink that replaces carbohydrates and electrolytes (such as sports drinks) every 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Avoid salt tablets.
  • Get medical help if the worker:
    • Has heart problems.
    • Is on a low sodium diet.
    • Has cramps that do not subside within 1 hour.


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