Heat Exhaustion vs Heat Stroke
Heat Exhaustion
Signs and symptoms
The signs of heat exhaustion are a little different than heat stroke, but not entirely different. The symptoms are:
Dizzy and might be fainting
Rapid heart rate
Pale, cool, clammy, or flushed skin
Nausea and/or vomiting
Fatigue
Thirst
Muscle cramps
These can be worsened when adding in dehydration and sunburns. Safety in the outdoors is like an onion and one wrong move can lead to another. When you’re hiking in the direct sun or on a warm day be mindful of what to look out for with heat exhaustion. I get it almost every time I backpack and it is much easier to take a break and cool off than it is to evacuate when you’re throwing up and passing out.
Treatment on trail
Before you call it quits the are some options you can try while you’re in the backcountry to treat heat exhaustion:
Rest in a cool and shady spot
Hydrate
If the person isn’t getting any better, you should head back to your car. Having heat exhaustion is not fun and it can turn south pretty quickly. Imagine fainting or being super dizzy with a drop-off. Sounds like a bad plan, doesn’t it?
Heat Stroke
As the name would suggest, heatstroke is a lot more serious than heat exhaustion. Heatstroke affects the brain as a result of the body overheating. A good rule is that if something has “stroke” in the name and isn’t an 80’s rock band hit, it should be taken seriously.
Signs and symptoms
Disoriented
Irritable or combative
Hallucinations
Seizures
Poor balance
Rapid heart rate
Hot, dry, and red skin (although, might be moist and pale as well)
A fever of 104 or higher
Treatment on trail
If you come across someone experiencing heatstroke, Immediately start cooling the person down. Spray them with water and fan them or put them in cold water, such as a stream.
In this case, you’ll want to get this person out as fast as possible. Try and cool them down and if needed, call search and rescue. Any treatment of an illness or injury outdoors is a judgment call. If you can get the person cooled off and get out on your own that is ideal but never be afraid to call SAR, they’re there to help in emergencies.
Prevention of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Ultimately prevention is better than treatment, especially when it comes to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Hydration plays a big role in regulating body temperatures so make sure you’re hydrating before and on trail. Hydration is also more than just water, bring your electrolytes!
When you’re hiking in the heat always listen to your body and remember the trail isn’t going anywhere. If you need to turn around, turn around. If you need to take a break in the shade, absolutely no shame there. Stay safe and happy hiking!
