Boy is it Hot - Update

When you hear someone say "Boy is it Hot", beware! While you might expect sunburn in the worst case, the effects of the sun and heat can be more than just "skin deep." Under some circumstances, a day of boating fun could result in either heat exhaustion or heat stroke. 

There are several levels of the adverse effects of heat and the sun. You or your passengers may experience anything from muscle spasms to loss of consciousness. The results vary based on the time of day, length of exposure and overall fitness of the individual, just to name a few. The most intense time of the day for both heat and direct sun is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

One of the early warning signs of heat related problems are muscle spasms. These painful contractions can show up in any muscle, but are most common in the limbs and the stomach. If you or your passengers begin to have such symptoms, it is time to get out of the sun and heat. Treatment for muscle spasms includes resting in a cool place, while stretching and massaging the affected areas. The patient should drink small amounts of cool water during and after treatment (stay away from salt).

Too much sun exposure can result in heat exhaustion. It "may" begin with muscle spasms, or with a headache, nausea or dizziness. The victim's skin will become cool, moist, and pale or red. The body temperature may drop below normal, accompanied by weakness. Heat exhaustion causes mild shock when fluid loss causes restrict blood circulation to the body's organs. Without prompt treatment, your next problem will be heat stroke.

Treatment for heat exhaustion involves resting in a cool place and drinking cool water. In the event that the body temperature rises, the victim vomits, or there are any other symptoms, call for trained medical help. Turn the patient on his/her side and suspend fluid consumption until help arrives.

Heat stroke, the stage following heat exhaustion, is the worst case scenario of heat related emergencies. In such cases, the victim loses his/her ability to naturally control body temperature. Perspiration stops and the body temperature rises, sometimes high enough to cause brain damage. The symptoms are a temperature of up to 106 degrees; weak or rapid pulse; red, hot and dry skin; and/or rapid, shallow breathing. Unless the body is cooled down soon, death may occur.

For treatment of heat stroke, first call for professional medical help, then wrap the victim in wet cloth and fan it. It is important to cool the body. By this time the patient is in shock and should be treated for it. The victim should drink cool water (slowly), about 4 ounces every 15 minutes. 

On the water, prolonged sun exposure is far more likely than it is on land. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Even if you are out for a short cruise in hot weather, you should have some bottled water onboard. Also, if your boat is not equipped with canvas to provide shade, make sure that you have something to rig up in an emergency. You could find yourself aground or otherwise disabled and on the water for much longer than you planned.

Until next time, I wish you clear skies, fair winds, and calm seas!