Summertime is not the prime hiking season in Florida.  However, that doesn’t mean the members of the Florida Trail Association are staying indoors.  Whether canoeing a favorite river, kayaking the Gulf of Mexico, or simply lying on the white sand beaches, there is still plenty to do outside.

Along with the change in the weather comes a change in how to stay safe when venturing outdoors.  Sunscreen, bug spray, proper clothing and plenty of food and water are the first line of defense.  Occasionally, heat illnesses can occur, and here’s what to watch for.

The following is adapted from the SOLO Wilderness Medicine Handbook.  Heat Illness is caused when the body produces more heat than it can get rid of or there are deficiencies in either salt or water levels in the body. 

• Dehydration (not enough water in the body):  Signs and symptoms – Headache, irritability, dark urine, thirst, chapped lips.  Treatment – hydrate with water, and then continue to hydrate.  Prevention – Drink plenty of water continuously; be aware of your environment (heat, sun, etc.)
• Heat cramps (not enough fluids and electrolytes): Signs and symptoms – Decreased fluids and electrolytes in a local area (i.e. muscles).  Treatment – Rest with legs elevated, replace lost fluids and salt (at 1 tsp. salt per 1 qt. water), stretching cramps (no massaging as that contributes to later soreness).  Prevention – Drink plenty of water and keep up proper nutrition for the activity.  Stretch before the activity, and know your limits.
• Heat exhaustion (dehydration and not enough electrolytes): Signs and symptoms – Looks like shock.  Lethargy, tired, thirsty, pale, clammy skin, increased breathing and heart rates.  Treatment – Rest in a cool place, replace lost fluids and salt (at 1 tsp. salt per 1 qt. water), apply cool cloths.  Prevention – Drink plenty of water and keep up proper nutrition for the activity.  Be aware of changing environmental conditions.
• Heat stroke (LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCY): Signs and symptoms – Victim is disoriented, possibly agitated.  Classic (or slow-onset) heat stroke victim will have hot, red, dry skin.  Exertional (or quick-onset) heat stroke victim will have hot, red, sweaty skin.  Treatment – Get to a hospital, remove from heat and sun, cool with water or fanning, hydrate with water if conscious.  Prevention – Drink plenty of water and keep up proper nutrition for the activity.  Be aware of changing environmental conditions.

 Have a safe and fun summer.

Dave Rohe, Wilderness First Responder