2017 Safety Project: When to STOP & Call It A Day!
Altitude Sickness (aka AMS, Acute Mountain Sickness):
Download the Lake Louise AMS Diagnostic worksheet at www.ismm.org/tl_files/infocenter/AMS_Worksheet.pdf
Download the Lake Louise AMS Diagnostic worksheet at www.ismm.org/tl_files/infocenter/AMS_Worksheet.pdf
AMS is believed to be caused by brain swelling due to the lower barometric pressure at high altitude. Though it is rare below 8000 feet, it can occur with any rapid ascent of several thousand feet.
It is diagnosed at high elevations by the presence of a headache and any one or more of the following; dizziness or feeling “light-headed”, loss of appetite or nauseous, weak and tired, difficulty sleeping. Assume it is AMS until proven otherwise. |
Never continue to ascend with symptoms of AMS, it can rapidly progress to High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), either of which can be fatal in a matter of hours to days!
HACE produces confusion and loss of coordination and may not be recognized by the person suffering from it. HAPE occurs most often in young, fit people, frequently presenting on the second night at altitude. Shortness of breath, wheezing (or other lung “crackling” sounds), and blue-grey lips and fingernails are symptomatic. |
If AMS is getting worse, or symptoms of HACE or HAPE are present, go back down to the last elevation that was free of symptoms, typically 1500 – 3000 feet lower than where sickness began. Acetazolamide (a sulfa drug) may be given as treatment while symptoms persist.
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The best defense is prevention. When possible, spend a night at each increase of 3000 feet in elevation. This gives the body time to acclimate to the pressure changes. Be sure to hydrate! Increased urination is normal at altitude as heme concentration occurs. NSAIDS can help avoid mild AMS due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
For more detailed information, visit the International Society for Mountain Medicine at www.ismm.org |
Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke
Heat Exhaustion can present with minimally elevated core temperatures and is associated with dehydration and/or salt depletion. Endurance athletes lose up to 1.5 liters of fluid per hour through perspiration, and the body can put out twice that.
Core temperatures of 104 degrees (40*C) or above are indicative of heat stroke, regardless of the progression of symptoms. The human body can only sustain a thermal maximum of 107.6 (42*C) or above for between 45 minutes and eight hours. |
Symptoms may include: headache, muscle/abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, dizziness, fatigue, pale skin, and rapid heartbeat. If uninterrupted it may progress to Heat Stroke leading to delirium, Central Nervous System derangement, circulatory collapse, convulsions, coma, and ultimately, death.
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Profuse sweating is a sign of the body attempting to cool itself. In conjunction with any of the above symptoms take additional cooling measures. Remove any tight, unnecessary clothing. drink plenty of fluids (including electrolyte replacements). Get into a cool place if possible. Take a cool bath or shower. If showing symptoms of Heat Stroke, get IMMEDIATE emergency medical attention!
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To help prevent heat exhaustion: Stay covered with light, loose fitting clothing to minimize fluid loss and avoid sunburn. Drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol and caffeine. Let your body acclimate to the heat by avoiding extreme indoor to outdoor temperature changes.
For more information visit www.aafp.org (Association of American Family Physicians) or www.mayoclinic.org and search heat related illnesses.
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Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, resulting in a core temperature of 95*F (35*C) or below. 90% of heat loss occurs through the skin, primarly from the head. Wet and wind speed up this process. Extremities risk frostbite (frozen tissue) and gangrene (tissue death) as vasoconstriction reduces bloodflow in attempt to keep vital organs warm.
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Body processes slow with the cold, resulting in lack of coordination, confusion, and slurred speech. Shivering is the body’s attempt to produce heat, but will cease as core temperature continues to drop. In severe cases, extreme lethargy and coma are followed by death.
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In mild cases, while shivering is still present, eating and exercise are most effective at raising body temperature. Get to shelter from the wind and remove any wet clothing. Warm up slowly, concentrating on the neck, chest, and groin areas. Avoid vigorous stimulation (through heat or friction) of the skin and extremities as this can result in tissue damage. In severe cases, ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest can be brought on by rapid movement.
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Hypothermia can occur in even mild weather. Staying warm is essential. Wearing a hat/helmet helps slow heat loss from the head. Wear layers of clothing to create warm “pockets” of air. Avoid overdressing to the point of sweating as the dampness will have a cooling effect.
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Fatigue
Watching the road; listening to the wind; sitting in one position; feeling the vibration. After a while the brain relegates the sameness of it all to “background noise” and ceases to pay attention. The result is loss of focus and delayed reaction times. With the need for food and sleep added, the brain and body begin to shut down, impairing decision making and coordination.
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“Zoning out” or riding on “autopilot”, as well as “sloppy” technique (particularly noticeable in turns and stopping) are warning signs. It is different than feeling tired, though that can be an additional factor. As much as 20% of crashes are attributed to fatigue.
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Plan your rides to stop about every two hours to “fuel up”, gas for your motorcycle – yes, but as importantly – to refresh yourself! Stretch a little; rehydrate; grab a nutritious snack; close your eyes and let them rest for 5 – 10 minutes. A 20 – 40 minute nap during the late afternoon will allow for more hours of safe riding than coffee or other stimulant beverage.
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