Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

The most considerable threat to outdoor activities during the summer months is heat illness, which encompasses any scenario where a person becomes exposed to extreme heat. Heat illness can result in heat exhaustion, or if not properly treated, can result in a heat stroke, which is life threatening. So how prepared are you to embrace the heat?

Challenge yourself to the following quiz on heat illness:

Nailed the quiz? Want to learn more on heat illnesses? Read on!

Heat Exhaustion / Heat Stroke Are Preventable

Despite the fact that they are preventable, heat related illnesses accounted for 45% to 50% of GFS search and rescue callouts during the summer months. This article provides information and helpful tips to help you better prepare your next hiking trip / outdoor activity.

What Causes Heat Exhaustion / Heat Stroke?

When we get hot, during exercise or exposure to the sun, our body normally cools itself down by means of sweating and increasing breathing rate. However, this might not be enough in an extremely hot and/or humid environment. In these cases, the body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke will occur.

What Do We Observe On-scene?

During summer time, GFS is frequently tasked to rescue those suffering from heat illness at the countryside.

Heat exhaustion cases

Victims commonly present with dizziness, headache, nausea and shortness of breath. Our immediate treatments include rapid cooling and fluid rehydration. The helicopter downwash and cabin air-conditioning can also be effective measures to cool down the victims. The rescue crew will prepare them for onward ambulance transfer if their conditions are stable.

Heat stroke cases

However, for victims with prolonged exposure to extremely hot and humid environment, their body will progressively lose the function to regulate the body heat. Signs and symptoms of convulsion, incontinence, altered mental state or even loss of consciousness may develop. The body temperature can reach 41°C or higher; and that is heat stroke.

First aid treatment must be taken promptly or otherwise, their lives will be in danger. In addition to rapid cooling, the rescue crew will closely monitor their conditions, provide the intravenous therapy and prepare for active resuscitation if the case further deteriorates. These cases will be transferred to hospital directly.

“Cool Met Stuff” Video by HKO

What Should I Do As A Bystander?

Before the rescue parties arrive, you can:

1. Move him/her to a shaded area or provide shelter if possible
2. Remove excessive clothing and maintain good ventilation
3. Cool down by water spray or iced fluid
4. Provide fluid with electrolytes for conscious victim

When the rescue helicopter is around you:

1. Stow all loose articles that can be blown off by downwash e.g. cap, towel
2. Draw the rescuers’ attention by waiving colorful object (torch at night)
3. When the helicopter is approaching your location, squat down to prevent sudden loss of balance due to downwash

How Should I Prepare For My Next Trip?

Stay Cool

• Wear appropriate clothing
  
  • Lightweight, light coloured, loose-fitting
• Schedule your activity
  
  • Pick morning or evening
  • Rest in shady areas
• Know your limit
  
  • Cut down on exercise during the heat (or reduce intensity)
  • Start slowly and pick up the pace gradually

Stay Hydrated

• Drink plenty of water / fluids
  
  • Drink more water / fluids, at regular interval. Don’t wait until you are thirsty
  • Avoid sugary or alcoholic drinks
• Replace salt and minerals
  
  • Sweating removes salt and minerals from the body that need to be replaced

Stay Informed

• Weather updates
  
  • Check the HKO website / HKO mobile app for latest weather updates
• Know the signs
  
  • Learn the symptoms of Heat Exhaustion / Heat Stroke
  • Cross monitor the conditions with your friends throughout the activity

Reference: Centre for Health Protection