Summer First Aid Tips: Dehydration

Every summer people flock to beaches, go to camping sites, visit tourist spots, drive and do outdoor activities like hiking, biking, running, and sports that are only possible and fun to do when the sun is up and there is little or no-chance of rain. However, too much exposure to the sun while performing any of these activities poses great danger. Given the right time and wrong judgment, these activities may be cut short which will then be followed by a trip to the emergency room.

Dehydration is one of the most common heat-related illnesses that can be life-threatening, if left untreated. It is proper, therefore, to ensure that everyone practices precautionary measures to keep bad summer memories to a minimum. But if dehydration happens to anyone, it is just right to know exactly what to do.

Symptoms of dehydration
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Light-headedness
• Thirst
• Dry mouth and mucous membrane
• Dry skin
• Increased heart rate, increased breathing
• Less-frequent urination

Additional symptoms for children

• High fever
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Tearless crying
• No wet diapers for more than three hours
• Dry mouth and tongue
• Sunken eyes, cheeks, or abdomen

First Aid Tips for Dehydration

Mild dehydration can be treated without the need for emergency medical help. Simple rehydration can solve the problem. Drinking fluids or water should help. Sports drinks that contain electrolytes and sodium quickly restore body fluids. In children, giving food and fluids under the supervision of a pediatrician will do. However, if the victim suffers from moderate dehydration, it is important to seek medical emergency.

Severe dehydration requires immediate action. Call for help right away and attend to the patient by giving him or her intravenous fluids.

Preventing Dehydration

An ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure. This saying will never get old.

To prevent dehydration it is important to remember the following:

• Drink plenty of fluids. Physical activities, especially those that are done in the sun or in a hot environment, can easily dehydrate the body. Remember to take in more fluids than you are losing.
• If possible, avoid performing physical outdoor activities during the hottest periods of the day.
• Wear proper clothes. If it's hot, loose and light-colored clothes can provide big help.
• To maintain electrolyte balance, drink sports drinks.
• If you feel any signs of dehydration, stop everything that you do, head to the shade, and call for help.