Summer First Aid

With the heat of Summer almost upon us we need to be watchful for Heat Exhaustion!

Heat exhaustion is caused by over exposure to high temperatures or being over-active in hot weather.  Although heat exhaustion usually occurs outdoors, a person can be overcome in a hot, poorly ventilated room or workplace. 
Unchecked, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, or what has been called sunstroke, this is a life threatening situation.
A heat exhaustion victim sweats, losing fluids and electrolytes, BUT the evaporation of the sweat prevents the body temperature to rise.  Other signs can include pale and clammy skin, weakness, nausea, headaches, and muscle cramping.  The victim will feel fatigued and if exposure continues with out slowly cooling the body and replenishing fluids, the victim may collapse or faint.
Remember that in heatstroke, sweating is absent or very slight, the pulse is rapid, the skin flushed, and the victim is lethargic or unconscious and usually shows signs of disorientation, they may even have a seizure.  Then the body temperature will escalate.
Treatment is important, move them to a cool, shady place that is preferably breezy.  Lay them down, loosen the clothing and place cold, wet towels on the forehead and the back of the neck.  Essential Oil of Peppermint cools the body from the core outward but never let is come close to the eyes, use on the back of the neck and the pulse points.  Essential Oil of Helichrysum will quickly oxygenate the body at the cellular level.  If you are in the mountains and have access to fresh aspen leaves they can be chewed on to help over come these symptoms.  Most mountain streams also have horsetail rods or watercress greens growing along side, they are great for rehydration and electrolyte balancing.
Give them small amounts of cool (NOT ICE COLD) fluids.  If possible add 1 teaspoon of salt per quart of liquid and give small amount at frequent intervals to help rehydrate the body.

Heat exhaustion is something to be constantly aware of during the hot summer activities. 

Be safe and have fun.