effects of the sun

Effects of the sun

Heat exhaustion

Occurs when the hiker or camper is involved in extremely strenuous physical activity for a long period of time.

Blood vessels under the skin become enlarged, so that the heat cannot escape in the form of perspiration in the skin; consequently, blood is drawn from the brain and other internal organs, and lightheadedness or fainting occurs.

Symptoms:

Nausea Dizziness Headache with profuse sweating Pale skin color

Treatment:

Lay the victim in a shady area and administer salt tablets and water

Prevention

Frequent rest in a shady place

Heat Stroke

Cooling system of the body unable to function properly and a failure of sweating process occur.

Symptoms:

Confusion Body temperature can soar above 105 Fahrenheit

Throbbing headache Dizziness and light-headedness Lack of sweating despite the heat Red, hot, and dry skin Muscle weakness or cramps Nausea and vomiting Rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak Rapid, shallow breathing Behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation, or staggering Seizures Unconsciousness

Treatment:

Move the person to an air-conditioned environment -- or at least a cool, shady area -- and remove any unnecessary clothing

Victim should be cooled down immediately with cold water compress until the body temperature is lowered.

o Fan air over the patient while wetting his or her skin with water from a sponge or garden hose.

o Apply ice packs to the patient's armpits, groin, neck, and back. Because these areas are rich with blood vessels close to the skin, cooling them may reduce body temperature.

o Immerse the patient in a shower or tub of cool water, or an ice bath.

Rehydrate Rest

Preventing Heat Stroke

o Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat.o Drink extra fluidso Take time to rest

Hypothermia

Results from continued loss of heat from the inner body A person who is wet at a temperature of 45 degree F and a wind of 5 miles per hour can

experience hypothermia

Symptoms:

Poor coordination Slowing of pace Thickness of speech Amnesia Irrationality and poor judgment Hallucinations Loss of contact with environment Blueness of skin Dilation of Pupils Decreased Heart and Respiratory Rate Weak or irregular pulse-stupor

Treatment/First Aid

Reduce Heat Loss: shelter the victim from the wind and weather Insulate him from the ground Replace wet clothing with dry Put on windproof/waterproof gear Aid circulation- loosen boots, belts and constrictive clothing Add heat: put in warmed sleeping bag; give hot drinks and food Huddle for body heat from other climbers Increase exercise level if possible under existing conditions

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/heat-stroke-symptoms-and-treatment?page=4