Just a warning guys with this current heat wave.
Having suffering a case of heat exhaustion a couple years ago and receiving a real tongue lashing by my Doctor, I'd like to just reiterate the dangers !
As my Doctor explained to me, by the time I became light-headed and dizzy I was on the verge of heat stroke. Re-hydrating was not helping fast enough as my core temp must have been wayyyy to high. Fortunately for me, I unconsciously/instinctively poured cold water down my back which probably saved me from more serious complications. The Doc explained the top of the spine is the body's thermostat and I was very lucky to have cooled this area down. I will now and forever be more succeptible and sensitive to the heat.
I now drink/re-hydrate more often. I force myself to spend more time under the hardtop. I keep a battery operated fan on board and use it. I buy wicking t-shirts. I'm never without a good supply of i-c-e.
Being aware of the symptoms is step #1.
Please, be safe and careful out there in this heat !
I just recently saw something about the back of your neck ( top of your spine) being the place to put a cold towel. As for being light headed and close to heat stroke that is news to me. I've felt that many times and never thought much of it. Thanks for posting!
Thanks GR that's a great topic with the kind of temps that are out there now. I always try to have a couple of big straw hats on board for me and the crew. They don't much like wearing them(say the look like grampa's hat) but they do a much better job of shading than a cap and allow some air flow. Way to go with the heads up. gjack
On a hot day one might want to keep an eye on the other people on board, I have had crew wanting dive in the water too cool off, my thought is I should probally look for the signs of heat exhaustion before they go in ie ask questions first. someone going in the water with heat related illness could be deadly.
__________________ get those doggies rollin, WALLEYE!!!
Good time to bring this up Gary. I think we went out with you just after this happen. This stuff is serious business. With this heat and being out on the open water, it will get you before you know it. As Gary said, drink plenty of water whether you feel you need it or not. Keep a towel that you can get wet and put around your neck as suggested. That hat is a great idea too. For you charter guys, if you have room. It wouldn't hurt to take extra water and towels for your crew just in case. If your crew really needs to take a dip. Then it might be time to come back in.
Stay Safe out there.....
Patrick
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I have a Cabelas wide brim hat that's vented and has a black underside (to keep the suns rays from reflecting) that I won't go without. Also bought a long sleeve white shirt that's vented and has UV protection. It's amazing how much cooler I feel with the shirt on. IMO the shirt is a must.
Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
The most common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
confusion
dark-colored urine (which indicates dehydration)
dizziness
fainting
fatigue
headache
muscle cramps
nausea
pale skin
profuse sweating
rapid heartbeat
Common symptoms and signs of heat stroke include:
high body temperature,
the absence of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry skin,
rapid pulse,
difficulty breathing,
strange behavior,
hallucinations,
confusion,
agitation,
disorientation,
seizure, and/or
coma.
I'm dying to get back out on the water. But I just won't do it in these temps. If I dropped some weight I would probably be ok, but I know my limits. For some folks, no matter how you prepare, it is just too much on days like today.
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What we need here is a good plague....
i went to basic training during a hot oklahoma summer in the early 80's. 110 degrees in the shade at 9 am.
heat exhaustion and heat stroke was a major concern. staying hydrated was the key. we were required to drink a quart of water per hour. when you stop sweating you are in big trouble.
Heat exhaustion / heat stroke
Heat exhaustion / heat stroke
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