I last weekend participated in the 45th annual Twin Cities Midnight-to-Dawn Bike Ride. I’ve been a part of the ride for five years, and through Covid and extreme cold, I’ve gotten to the end every time. But last weekend, I had to leave 2/3 of the way through the race due to heat exhaustion. It’s important to keep an eye on our Scouts and adults to make sure we’re protecting them from heat-related illness.
Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion occurs due to an excessive loss of water through excessive sweating. Uncontrolled heat exhaustion is an urgent medical situation; it can progress to heatstroke if not treated. Provide cold water or diluted sports drink. Cool the person—get them out of the heat, remove excess clothing, spray or douse the person with cold water, and fan them. Do not give them salt tablets. Evacuate if the person does not improve within 30 minutes. Symptoms include:
- Inability to concentrate
- Pale or ashen skin
- Rapid pulse
- Severe thirst
- Heavy sweating, skin may be clammy, not hot
- Fatigue, weakness, irritability
- Nausea, dizziness, headache