Crazinamatese wrote:Ruger wrote:Happened to me this weekend.
Slight dizziness, tingling in my hands and feet, rapid short breathing, HOT. I put bags of ice under my armpits and behind my neck and it was flowing water from melting so quickly when it touched my skin. Drank two big bottles of Gatorade and put the air condition on in the truck. After about 15 minutes (when temp came down) I was freezing so bad my teeth were chattering and it was 90+ outside.
Not a good feeling. It has happened three times in 5 years and each time I say I won't go in the woods in August!
Thats scary stuff there. Just an FYI, gatorade really doesn't help much. Gatorade has too much sugar. Sipping, not chugging water is the best you can do. Once you are showing the symptoms of dehydration, its a little to late to try to re-hydrate. Get in some shade or indoors to cool down and loosen tight clothing. Call 911 if you have to. Its tough when you are alone when this strikes. Having someone there to reassure can help alot too.
Great advice... I always recommend cutting sports drinks in half with water for those that love them, for the reasons Crazinamatese mentioned. You can still get some electrolyte benefit that way, but the water is what's most important.