Australian Heat Stress - The Dangers, Symptoms and Prevention Measures (Information provided by Thorzt)
With Australia consistently setting new records for extreme temperatures around the country, knowing how to stay cool and hydrated is more important than ever.
Studies have called heatwaves our deadliest natural hazard, but the message from authorities to take them seriously is not getting through.
In October 2018, a 27-year-old hiker died of suspected dehydration after an 8km walk in a Western Australian National park. His group tried to revive him but had run out of fluids. According to the local police inspector, they’d only gone out with three small bottles of water.
In early January 2019, in separate incidents in outback WA and the NT, two women tragically died—both were out exercising in conditions of 40 degrees Celsius.
Deaths due to heatwaves happen regularly across Australia, but despite police warnings, even experienced hikers are often totally unprepared for severe weather conditions.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of heat stress may include – but are not limited to – confusion and poor judgement, clammy hands, numbness in the fingers or toes, general fatigue and an elevated pulse.
In extreme cases this can lead to slurred speech, dizziness, fainting, seizures, heart palpitations, intense thirst, nausea, vomiting and loss of consciousness.
Award-winning heat stress expert, Matt Brearley, from Darwin’s National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre, has warned of the deadly consequences of bushwalking in extreme temperatures and not paying attention to physical symptoms.
“In some cases, people are so motivated [to continue] that they will ignore those symptoms, or not even feel them,’ Dr Brearley said, speaking to the ABC.
Deadly consequences:
Once the body reaches an excess level of heat stress or dehydration, there can be deadly consequences.
The body is made up of approximately 50–75 per cent water and not consuming enough can have serious health effects. System failure can occur rapidly and be fatal.
Thorzt Ice Shot, and the Thorzt Concentrate, are designed to replace the vital electrolytes depleted as a result of dehydration, and are highly recommended as supplements for your cooler to ward off these issues.
