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Avoiding heat Stroke at Faire

Started by DonaCatalina, April 24, 2009, 08:29:39 AM

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DeadBishop

Quote from: Khaalis on July 08, 2009, 02:16:07 AM
At Sterling, the faire staff and many of the long term patrons order a special "Half-n-Half" not normally offered, which consists of 1/2 iced Tea and 1/2 Lemonade. Everyone swears by it for helping prevent heat stroke issues.

A virgin Arnold Palmer...one of my favorite beverages to beat the heat at fest! 


I'm going to sticky this thread, as it is one of the best discussions to grace the pages of R/F.com.  There is no one who wouldn't benefit from reading this. 

On a side note, while I myself have not suffered from heat stroke, I did suffer the consequences of not staying hydrated through the fest season a few years back; kidney stones.  This was not a pleasant ordeal, let me tell you.  I make sure to have liquid within arms reach at all times now, and remind myself and others around me to drink something if they haven't in the past 20 minutes.


R/F.com member since 2003

Lady_Claira

Wow, I should have checked this out sooner. So much good information.

One thing that is probably important, is that if someone is getting over-heated and you finally get them to drink water/gatorade, have them drink slowly. I remember in marching band in high school, I wasn't as far as heat-stroke, but I was getting really close twice. And each time my first instinct was to guzzle water, but that almost made me sick in itself. Drink slowly so that you don't make yourself sick when you're trying to re-hydrate yourself.

Make sure you're getting both water and electrolytes. I know this might sound gross, but the yellower your pee the less water you have in your system. That's usually a marker I use if I can (flushing privies anyone?)

My other big note may not directly deal with heat stroke, but use a lot of sun screen, especially on exposed skin. I know personally people who have gotten sun burn badly enough to have it blister and right now I'm in a bit of pain from not applying sun-screen right above my bodice. So it's another good rule of thumb.
You see this training pin? It could be yours. You could learn all about wenches! And that's a promise! - My friend Mike

Count Adolfo

another (lesser known) fact is that pickle juice (the stuff the pickles sit in) is very, very high in electrolytes and is great for re-hydrating.  It also defeats the "guzzle" reflex because, well, most people don't really want to guzzle pickle juice...

Lady Renee Buchanan

We just got back from one of the most humid, muggy days I've ever been to at Bristol.  Although I am regularly a huge water drinker, I felt myself starting to feel draggy and woozy. 

I then started alternating a mug of water and then a mug of gatorade.  The gatorade tastes awful (at least to me it does, I don't like it), but by the time I finished the mug, I felt back to my normal self.  Then I would have a mug of water, not right away, but probably about 20 minutes after the gatorade.  When I started feeling out of sorts again, I would go back to the gatorade, and alternate back and forth.  It really worked for me.  I had lots of privvy runs, so I know I wasn't dehydrated.

If this has been mentioned, please forgive, but I didn't read back through all the posts.   ;D
A real Surf Diva
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Chieftesse Surf'n Penny of Clan O'Siodhachain,
Irish Penny Brigade
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Member since the beginning of RF
All will be well. St. Julian of Norwich

Becky10

I ended up getting really bad heat stroke two years ago at faire and ended up laying under a bench eating a cup of greek olives and drinking lots of water that helped alot. Sipping salt water is also good if no olives are near. ;)
Most people focus just on replenishing the body with water but forget that you also loose salt.
The man who smiles when things go wrong has thought of someone to blame it on

bran_gray

It's been hinted at a couple of times but I'm going to go ahead and stress it a little more.

If somebody does go down because of heat stroke nine times out of ten from that day forth (if they survive and they should because of all this wonderful training) their body will not be able to handle heat as well as it used to.  I had an Uncle that nearly died from heat stroke and to this day anything above 75 degrees has him sweating and feeling like it's 95 degrees.

Ambrosine

I completely ruined a day at faire when I had heat stroke hit me at about 11:00 (My fault did not eat or drink anything that morning and we do live in Florida). I ended up having the first aid guys (which were at least cute) lay me out on a blanket under a tree giving me water and one of the vendors brought me some fresh fruit. I was there for a good hour until my friend was able to pack me up in the car and take me home. On the funny side I was a fairy that year and of course had to remove my wings and they were laying next to me. You would hear people joking telling kids I was having medical attention because some one tore my wings off, or "this is what happens to the mischievous faeries!"
Stitch Witch of the Harbinger

McGuinness

Quote from: bran_gray on January 29, 2010, 06:08:00 PM
It's been hinted at a couple of times but I'm going to go ahead and stress it a little more.

If somebody does go down because of heat stroke nine times out of ten from that day forth (if they survive and they should because of all this wonderful training) their body will not be able to handle heat as well as it used to.  I had an Uncle that nearly died from heat stroke and to this day anything above 75 degrees has him sweating and feeling like it's 95 degrees.

So true. Every since I had my experience with heat stroke, I can certainly fell myself getting to the Danger Point much faster than before. As the doctor at the ER said to me, its like running the oil down in a car. Do it once and you can fix it, but the damage is there and its not gonna take as long for the oil to get to a dangerous low again.

Celtic_Fae

Quote from: Colleen McGuinness on February 22, 2010, 09:57:52 PM
Quote from: bran_gray on January 29, 2010, 06:08:00 PM
It's been hinted at a couple of times but I'm going to go ahead and stress it a little more.

If somebody does go down because of heat stroke nine times out of ten from that day forth (if they survive and they should because of all this wonderful training) their body will not be able to handle heat as well as it used to.  I had an Uncle that nearly died from heat stroke and to this day anything above 75 degrees has him sweating and feeling like it's 95 degrees.

So true. Every since I had my experience with heat stroke, I can certainly fell myself getting to the Danger Point much faster than before. As the doctor at the ER said to me, its like running the oil down in a car. Do it once and you can fix it, but the damage is there and its not gonna take as long for the oil to get to a dangerous low again.

I'll second this! It's a miserable fact, but it's true. I used to be able to do faires in 100+ degree weather. Now if it threatens to hit 80+, I'm not feeling to well.

brier patch charlie

After having a H/S the only fairs I do are when the weather is still cool. If it's going to be 80 plus heat, I'm not going. Sure wish there were more winter fairs.
Charles Coleman

Al-Nimer

Quote from: brier patch charlie on February 25, 2010, 08:23:31 PM
After having a H/S the only fairs I do are when the weather is still cool. If it's going to be 80 plus heat, I'm not going. Sure wish there were more winter fairs.
Don't know how close you are, but Four Winds @ Tyler, TX is starting next weekend.  http://fourwindsfaire.com/

It is likely to still be pretty cool this year, at least in March  ;)
"I reject your reality and substitute my own!" - Adam, Mythbusters

LadyStitch

I got heat exaustion when I was in collage.  Our superiors at the camp refused us from having camel back or even water bottles on the field with us while we worked.  We all wore hats and biki tops, but I can tell you.  I remember my world closing in, and getting dizzy.  Then just sitting down.  No one came to help.  I remember getting to my car, and a street cornor on the way home, then pulling into my drive way.  Then the couch.  After that, no alot.  What I do remember involved my grandmother wrapping rice in wash cloths, and damp cloths on me, then in the car to the ER.   I drank, litteraly a half gallon of water in 1 hours in the ER.  Not the most fun night to spend.  Since then I have really been particular about how hot I get.  I always have water near by, and when possible I do a half and half juice or gaterade. 

The only time when I was upset was that my rogue was at faire last year and his blood sugar was dropping fast, AND he was getting too hot.  I ran to a local vendor and asked can I have Ice, pickle juice, or gatorade, something.  The clerks were going to make me fork over 2.00 for a cup of ice for him, and told me they didn't carry any gatorade, so I had to pay another 3.00 for a soda.  By then the manager of the stand came out. (She imedily handed me a huge tankard of ice water and cube for him.)
When I returned later with her tankard,she wasn't pleased with how the clerks treated me. She made it known if something like this EVER happened again that they were to hand over the biggest cup of ice they could, no questions asked. Then go get her. She would rather pay out of her own pocket the jucie/gatorade/ ice  for a patron who is going into diabetic shock, or heat stroke then have to explain to management why they stood by and did nothing to help them.   Needless to say we are buying our treats & soda from her this year.  ;D
It is kind of strange watching your personal history become costume.

Badra

I skimmed, so apologies if this has been mentioned already...make sure you're peeing enough.  The paramedics at Scarby said every hour if you're taking in fluids like you should be.  (not sure that's possible or practical...but there you are)

I think I saw everything else:
*water (but not so much water that you flush your electrolytes and vomit on poor, defenseless trees)
*pedialyte and/or gatoraide to supplement the water
*eat regular meals not just snacklettes or crap
*avoid alcohol
*avoid sweet drinks
Cyn
Badra the Belly Dancer
Duchess of Parties
Gnicety Gnomie

Monsignor de Beaumanoir

#58
DEFINITION

A heat injury occurs when a Faire Attendee/Pilgrim engages in physical activity to the extent where the heat production within his body exceeds its ability to lose heat adequately. This results in a rise in inner body (body core) temperature to the levels at which normal body functions are interfered with. This may lead to temporary or permanent disturbances in bodily functions.

The three types of heat injuries:

? Heat cramps - are the result of excessive salt and water losses due to profuse sweating in Faire Attendee/Pilgrims whose bodies are attempting to rapidly lose heat. It presents as intermittent muscle cramps, which usually occur on the legs (calves and thighs).

? Heat exhaustion - is a more severe form of heat injury. It implies a significant loss of water from the body. The signs and symptoms are:
_ weakness,
_ exhaustion,
_ headaches,
_ dizziness and
_ profuse sweating with an elevated body
temperature.

? Heat stroke - is the most serious form of heat injuries. It manifests with a body core Temperature of 41 degress  Celsius and above. Faire Attendee/Pilgrims may present with confusion, aggressive behavior and may progress into a comatose state. It is a medical emergency!

BODY HEAT REGULATION: "STAYING SAFE"

_ In order for the body to lose heat adequately, regular rest in a cool or shady environment is also required. This allows the heat loss process to keep up with and "overtake" the heat gain process. Concurrent hydration is critical.

_ High air temperature, high relative humidity (GARF, BARF, etc) and exposure to the sun make it difficult for Faire Attendee/Pilgrims to regulate their body temperature.

_ Excessive clothing will prevent heat from being lost to the environment.

_ When the environmental conditions and/ or clothing prevent the heat generated within the body from being dissipated (do you really need that suit of mail), the body temperature will rise significantly. If this cycle is not stopped, heat injuries will occur.

_ The heat injuries are commonly associated with hard work in hot weather. However, they can also occur in relatively cool conditions when Faire Attendee/Pilgrims are dressed in heavy protective clothing (Chain Mail with Arming gear).

_ The same principles apply at night as well. If there is inadequate cooling of the body during physical exertion at night, heat injuries can occur.


Monsignor de Beaumanoir

#59
WHAT IS DEHYDRATION?

_ Dehydration refers to the reduction of body water content to that below the normal physiological (and safe) level. Some degree of dehydration is inevitable when working in a hot and humid environment. This is due to water loss through sweating.


FACTS ON DEHYDRATION

_ New Faire Attendee/Pilgrims are more prone to dehydration as they generally tend not to have a "H2O drinking habit". They tend to drink water only when extremely thirsty and this is too late. Having not trained regularly in hot and humid conditions, they do not have an "instinct" to drink water beyond the point of thirst. They must be trained to do so.

_ An individual under stress in a hot and humid environment may not sense dehydration at the early stages.

_ Faire Attendee/Pilgrims may maintain themselves at about 1.5 litres below their ideal hydration status without any sense of thirst, thus exhibiting "voluntary dehydration".

_ The body may suffer dehydration of 1-2% of body weight and perform less effectively before the feeling of thirst is even noticed.

_ Caffeine and alcohol beverages have diuretic properties, which increase the risk of dehydration through increased urination.

_ Heat, wind and dry air increase the body's water requirements through loss of body water as sweat.

_ At high altitudes (>2000 metres above sea levels) there is an increase in the rate of breathing due to reduced oxygen levels. The dryness of the atmosphere also increases water loss through breathing. However, the feeling of thirst becomes less felt, and the desire to drink is suppressed at an altitude.

_ Faire Attendee/Pilgrims often become dehydrated while travelling, especially if the trip is long. Water consumption is as important during travel as any other time.

_ Faire Attendee/Pilgrims who are well trained, fit and fully hydrated tolerate heat exposure more effectively than the less fit and dehydrated Faire Attendee/Pilgrims.

EFFECTS OF CLOTHING ON DEHYDRATION

_ Excessive clothing can contribute to dehydration by impeding evaporation of sweat. This causes the body to produce more sweat in order to cool the body. This leads to rise in body temperature.

_ Multiple layers of clothing, even if thin, will provide a considerable amount of insulation and, therefore, should be avoided.


Heat Injuries are totally preventable.

What to drink:

_ Plain water in sufficient volume will help the hydration process

_ Providing cool water with added electrolytes is difficult but will be helpful

_ If the administration system allows it, attempts should be made to provide cool water with electrolytes. This will especially be useful for poorly acclimatized individuals such as recruits

The international guidelines, advocated by the Order of St John (Hospitallers) are:

_ Heat exposure less than 90 minutes - Plain, cool water

_ Heat exposure exceeding 90 minutes - cool, suitably flavoured carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage (concentration - no more than 8%, or 2 table spoons of sugar per litre)

_ Heat exposure exceeding 240 minutes - Flavoured carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage supplemented with one tea spoon of salt per litre

What NOT to drink:

_ Carbonated drinks (feeling of being bloated)

_ Alcohol, coffee, tea (diuretic property)

_ Commercially available Oral Rehydration Solutions (unpalatable, designed to replace fluid lost in diarrhoea, but not suitable for use during activities in heat)

_ Carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage concentrations greater than 8% (delays water absorption)

_ Hot drinks, when cooler ones are available

_ Drinks of unknown ingredients (Really....faire goers!)

Escorting "flattened or flat lined" pilgrims is a drag, let's be safe out there.....Deus vult!