A Reminder to Stay Hydrated!!

With our first up-tick in temperatures in a few weeks everyone is reminded to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water and hydration type fluids like Gatorade and Powerade to replace electrolytes.

The key to staying hydrated when venturing outside on days like today is to remain pre-hydrated before your activity and increase hydration during your activity. In the fire service it is recommended to drink 8 ounces of water for every hour during your shift.

If you only drink fluids when you feel thirsty your body is already dehydrated and you are playing catch up. You should continue to drink the suggested amount of fluids throughout your entire day to prepare you for your outdoor activities and then aggressively re-hydrate afterward.

Everyone should pay attention to yourself and others for the following signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses:

Heat Cramps:
     * Severe or disabling cramps in the hands, feet, and calves
     * Hard, tense muscles

Heat Exhaustion:
     * Fatigue
     * Nausea
     * Headaches
     * Excessive Thirst
     * Muscle Aches and/or cramps
     * Weakness
     * Confusion and/or anxiety
     * Drenching sweats with cold, clammy skin
     * Slowed or weakened heartbeat
     * Dizziness
     * Fainting
     * Agitation

Heat Stroke:
     * Nausea & vomiting
     * Headache
     * Dizziness and/or vertigo
     * Fatigue
     * Hot, flushed, dry skin
     * Rapid heartbeat
     * Decreased sweating
     * Shortness of Breath
     * Decreased Urination
     * Increased body temperature
     * Confusion, delirium, loss of consciousness
     * Convulsions

The symptoms of any of the above conditions may come on suddenly, and do not have to precede the onset of the other, meaning signs of Heat Exhaustion do not necessarily present before signs of Heat Stroke.

Anyone displaying or experiencing any signs of heat cramps should be immediately removed from the heat and attempts began at re-hydration.

Anyone displaying or experiencing ANY signs of Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke should immediately seek medical attention.

Particular focus should be made to the young and elderly as their bodies are much more susceptible to the heat related illnesses described above.

The above information has been combined from numerous internet resources. Information provided by the Centers for Disease Control can be found here: CDC Heat Illness Guidelines