Heat Exhaustion can happen at the strangest times.

[tashasdaddy]

While in the Keys this past week, we had a harrowing experience.

does this look like a young man about to go down?

he had been snorkeling the reef, 5 minutes later was in heat exhaustion.

we radioed, the USCG, they had Monroe County Rescue waiting at the dock.

15 miles from marina, off shore, he was in Ambulance in 15 minutes, and hospital in 30 minutes.

that 29 foot boat was topping those 5 foot waves.

after 2,000 cc of fluids, he is fine.

Thanks to the USCG Key West, Tow Boat who met, and escorted us to the marina, and Monroe County Fire Rescue. these guys are the best.

 

[BeaufortTJustice]

Re: Heat Exhaustion can happen at the strangest times.

Wow...glad to hear he is alright. Something to be aware of for the future: Once someone experiences a case of heat exhaustion, it may happen even sooner the next time...at least that is what my wife's Dr. told us after she had a run in with it. Basically, it becomes easier to get the next time.

Again, glad to hear he is alright. That must have been one stressful and wild ride.

 

[heyttown]

Re: Heat Exhaustion can happen at the strangest times.

Ive heard the keys area is deceiving when you swim, alot of currents out there and wears you down fast, but you dont really realize it while in the water..

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Heat Exhaustion can happen at the strangest times.

Lesson learned for that lucky young man.

HYDRATION is the most important thing we can all do.

 

[Beefer]

Re: Heat Exhaustion can happen at the strangest times.

My rule of thumb, is that I'm not peeing more than anything else I'm doing, I'm not drinking enough. On the water it's gatorade, water, or iced tea all day, about 1 qt an hour.

 

[tburda]

Re: Heat Exhaustion can happen at the strangest times.

Yeah, while de-oxidizing my buddies boat on a good 90+ degree day, in beating down sun, I had drank two of those big powerades (80 something ounces?), and not stopped to take a leak in hours. Tipped me off that it was a good thing I was drinking those gatorades, as I was busy sweating out all my hydration. Dehydration terrifies me, it's one of the worst feelings I've experienced, and can be quickly deadly.

If you've ever had a hang-over, it's like that, except a million times worse.

 

[DJ]

Re: Heat Exhaustion can happen at the strangest times.

Out here, in the desert, we are VERY aware of this. However, people forget just how dehydrated you can get, especially out on the water.

One's brain is thinking that they can't be dehydrated because you are surrounded by water- Wrong!

ALWAYS carry drinking water aboard!

I've grown accustomed to spotting the signs of dehydration. Mostly they are:

1. Confusion.

2. Someone getting/growing "quiet".

This is a big deal which a lot of boaters ignore or are unaware. Alcohol consumption compounds this by several fold.

Be wise, be prepared. A dozen bottles of water aboard won't hurt anyone and may save the day.

 

[Cofe]

Re: Heat Exhaustion can happen at the strangest times.

Heat exhaustion can kill.
Look for warning signs like disorientation, dizziness, lack of sweating in a hot environment.

First aid: Do not let the victim drink cold water..... only swish in mouth and spit out......
Lay the victim on the floor with legs elevated.... Keep in shade.
Pour cool water over the victim. The core temperature must be brought down.
Get them medical attention, "even if they feel better."
" I have once had a older gent suffering from heat exhaustion get to feel better after first aid was administered. Then shortly after feeling better he had a heart attack. Fortunately we were close to a hospital and I didn't have to perform CPR.
In these situations....Remain Calm..... "If there is no controll, then things get out of control." Peoples lives depend on it.

If you would like to know what to do in and emergency circumstance, I would suggest to attend a First Aid, CPR, Rescue breathing, AED course that your local community should provide.

I am glad that this young man now has a chance of being a older man. Thanks TD

 

[DJ]

Re: Heat Exhaustion can happen at the strangest times.

Heat exhaustion can kill.
Look for warning signs like disorientation, dizziness, lack of sweating in a hot environment.

First aid: Do not let the victim drink cold water..... only swish in mouth and spit out......
Lay the victim on the floor with legs elevated.... Keep in shade.
Pour cool water over the victim. The core temperature must be brought down.
Get them medical attention, "even if they feel better."
" I have once had a older gent suffering from heat exhaustion get to feel better after first aid was administered. Then shortly after feeling better he had a heart attack. Fortunately we were close to a hospital and I didn't have to perform CPR.
In these situations....Remain Calm..... "If there is no controll, then things get out of control." Peoples lives depend on it.

If you would like to know what to do in and emergency circumstance, I would suggest to attend a First Aid, CPR, Rescue breathing, AED course that your local community should provide.

I am glad that this young man now has a chance of being a older man. Thanks TD

Good points to add.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Heat Exhaustion can happen at the strangest times.

Just spent 3 days installing a fence alarm. ALL paved area. Man was it hot. 95F each day plus a few degrees for the pavement and then add the humidity factor on top. Drank 2 gallons each day and didn't see a washroom once. The body really uses up the liquid.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Heat Exhaustion can happen at the strangest times.

I think we can all learn from this experience.
So glad to hear that he is O.K.

 

[Red_BOFUS]

Re: Heat Exhaustion can happen at the strangest times.

If it is clear when you pee, fine you'll be.

I can always tell when I have not drank enough water, I drink about a gallon a day most of the time, as my mouth gets all "cotton"