Injuries due to Exposure - Dehydration and other concerns

Dehydration means the body's level of water and other fluids has fallen below normal. Humans lose water through sweating, breathing and waste elimination. This loss is markedly increased by medical problems that cause vomiting, diarrhea, edema or bleeding.
Signs and symptoms: (Symptoms of a disease are subjective indications that can be detected by a patient, such as pain or fatigue, while signs are objective indications that can be detected by a doctor, such as temperature or pulse.) Even mild dehydration can result in poor judgment, weakness, headache, and lack of energy; in addition, dehydration can make those affected more susceptible to infections, hyperthermia, or decompression illness (DCI). Marked dehydration can also cause imbalances in electrolytes (salts and other minerals in blood and other body fluids).
Individuals suffering from dehydration may also evidence a loss of elasticity in their skin, excessively dry mucous membranes (in the nose and throat, for example), and urine output that darkens in color and declines in quantity. It is of note that if you have been swimming or diving, your first urine output after immersion may be clear, even though you're dehydrated. This is due to an effect known as immersion diuresis — that is, an increased production of urine during immersion due to vasoconstriction (narrowing of the blood vessels); this results in your urine being more diluted than it would otherwise be.
Dehydration is often suspected when someone feels unwell after having been physically active and sweating profusely in a hot, humid environment. But the condition is much more difficult to detect in cooler environments, where an individual's fluid intake still may not keep up with the loss of body fluids. Dehydration in such conditions can be insidious, in that victims may not be aware of their depleted state until an emergency arises — which can be especially dangerous if they are traveling in a remote area.
Treatment and prevention: Travelers in hot and humid environments may need to increase their fluid intake beyond the recommended 8 cups (almost 2 liters) of water per day. When you're traveling in such climates is also not a good time to begin restricting your salt intake, because the loss of salts during prolonged exposure to heat and humidity may result in a condition called hyponatremia; it is characterized by abnormally low levels of sodium in the blood and can cause lethargy, headaches, seizures — and even death, if the brain swells due to ingestion of water but not enough salts and other electrolytes. However, this does not mean you should drink salt water! Salt water is a concentrated solution that can actually dehydrate a victim further if it is used for hydration. Studies of shipwreck survivors have clearly demonstrated that those who survived were those who refrained from drinking salt water.
Treatment of dehydration involves replacing the lost fluids and electrolytes — orally (by mouth) in cases of mild to moderate dehydration, but intravenously in more severe cases. Administering frequent, small amounts of water is the best approach.
Other exposure concerns

It's not possible to detail all the sources of exposure-related injury in a guide of this length, but a few other serious and/or common problems are listed below.
Lightning: The Earth receives an estimated 100 lightning strikes per second. So it should be no surprise that sometimes lightning strikes humans. In 2014, 26 people died from lightning strikes in the U.S. Worldwide estimates of lightning fatalities range from 6,000 to 24,000 per year. An individual's lifetime odds of being killed by lightning are 1 in about 165,000. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following strategies to avoid being struck by lightning:
* Check the weather forecast before an outdoor excursion.
* If you hear thunder, seek shelter if possible — in an enclosed building or a hard-topped vehicle with the windows rolled up. Do not stay in an open structure or vehicle, such as a porch or golf cart.
* If you can't get to shelter and you're in an open area, crouch down in a ball-like position, with minimal contact with the ground. Do not lie down.
* If possible, avoid ridgelines, mountain summits, and isolated trees or other tall items like power poles. If you are in the woods, stay near shorter trees.
* Stay away from water — swimming pools, ponds, rivers, and even puddles.
* Avoid tall structures.
* Avoid contact with anything metal. (And if you are in a concrete structure, avoid leaning against the walls, as lightning can travel through the metal reinforcement in concrete.)
* Be sure you are not wearing or carrying anything metal.
* If you are in a group, separate from each other.
If you or someone you are with does get struck by lightning, call for emergency medical assistance immediately. Then take these steps:
* Minimize the risk of further strikes, moving the victim to a safer location if necessary.
* Check to see if the victim is breathing and has a heartbeat. If not, start chest compressions immediately. Initiate rescue breathing if anyone in your group has CPR training. Learn more about essential skills and CPR.
* Continue chest compressions (and CPR) until medical personnel arrive.
* Assess the victim for other injuries, such as burns or blunt trauma, and administer first aid as appropriate and possible.
* If there is risk of hypothermia, place an insulating layer between the victim and the ground.
Sunburn: The depletion of the Earth's ozone layer has made sunburn an increasingly common hazard of outdoor activities. The U.S. Skin Cancer Foundation has determined that 42 percent of Americans get at least one sunburn a year. And your risk of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, doubles after just five or more blistering sunburns. Prevention is much more important than treatment. To avoid getting sunburned, the Skin Cancer Foundation suggests these steps:
* Stay in the shade or indoors, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and especially in tropical and polar latitudes and at high altitudes.
* Use a sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 15. Apply it liberally to all exposed skin 30 minutes before going outdoors, then reapply it every two hours.
* Use sun-protective clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses that block UV radiation.
* Remember, if you're near water, sand or snow, that the sun reflects off such surfaces, increasing the intensity of the UV rays.
* Remember, too, that you can get a sunburn on a cloudy day; in fact, some cloud formations can magnify the effect of the sun's UV rays.
* Do not use tanning booths.
If you do get too much sun, here's what to do:
* Take a cool shower or bath.
* Apply moisturizing lotion.
* Stay well hydrated.
* If you get a painful burn, a pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Advil) can help.
* If a blistering sunburn covers more than 20 percent of your body, you should seek medical attention.
In addition, it's a good idea to check your skin for unusual moles or other signs of potential skin cancer at least once a month.
Poison ivy, oak and sumac: Poison ivy, oak and sumac are the most common contact-poisonous plants in the United States, but there are others within U.S. borders and many more elsewhere around the world. Learning to recognize the leaves of noxious plants is the best way to avoid the misery of the highly itchy rashes they can cause. Learn more about poisonous plants from the CDC . And before you engage in wilderness activities in other parts of the world, research what plants you should watch for there. Remember, too, that it is possible to be exposed to urushiol, the natural chemical that causes the allergic rash, through direct contact with the plant, through indirect contact with a surface that has touched the plant, or by inhaling particles from burning plants that contain urushiol.
The CDC recommends the following preventive steps if you may come into contact with such plants:
* Cover up — wear long sleeves, long pants, and gloves.
* Consider the use of a barrier lotion containing bentoquatum, for example; however, such lotions must be washed off and reapplied twice a day.
* Clean any gear that may have come in contact with such plants with rubbing alcohol (isopropanol or isopropyl alcohol) or soap and water; urushiol can remain potent on the surface of objects for up to five years.
* Do not ever burn plants that may contain urushiol or similar substances.
But if, despite your best efforts, you do come in contact with poisonous plants, the CDC recommends these steps:
* Immediately wash well with rubbing alcohol, a specialized plant wash, or a degreasing soap (such as dishwashing liquid) and lots of water. Then rinse well.
* Scrub under your nails with a brush.
* If you have a blistering rash, apply wet compresses, calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to mitigate the itching. An oatmeal bath or oral antihistamines (such as Benadryl) may also relieve itching.
* In case of a severe allergic reaction or severe itching or blistering, seek medical attention.
Read the full article HERE
Posted in Alert Diver Winter Editions
Tagged with dehydration, dry, pain, Fatigue, humidity, dry mucous membranes, electroytes
Tagged with dehydration, dry, pain, Fatigue, humidity, dry mucous membranes, electroytes
Categories
2020
January
February
Group Fitness at the PoolHow to Rescue a Distressed diver at the SurfaceHow to manage Near-DrowningNo Sit-ups no problem How to manage MalariaHow to manage Oxygen Deficiency (Hypoxia)What to do when confronted by a sharkHow to manage Scombroid PoisoningHow to perform a Deep Diver RescueHow to perform One-rescuer CPRHow to perform a Neurological Assessment
March
DAN’s Quick Guide to Properly Disinfecting Dive GearCOVID-19 : Prevention Recommendations for our Diving CommunityGermophobia? - Just give it a reasonable thoughtScuba Equipment care – Rinsing and cleaning diving equipmentCOVID-19 and DAN MembershipFurther limitations imposed on travels and considerations on diving activitiesDAN Membership COVID-19 FAQsLancet COVID-19 South African Testing SitesCOVID-19 No Panic Help GuideGetting Decompression Sickness while FreedivingDown in the DumpsCardiovascular Disease and DivingDelayed Off-GassingDiving after Dental surgeryDiving with Multiple MedicationsPygmy Seahorses: Life AquaticAfrica DustCOVID-19 Myth BustersScuba Units Are Not Suitable Substitutes for VentilatorsDisinfection of Scuba Equipment and COVID-19Physioball Stability Exercises
April
COVID-19 AdvisoryScuba Equipment Care - Drying & Storing Your GearTransporting Diving Lights & BatteriesHow to Pivot Your Message During a CrisisTourism Relief FundCOVID-19 Business Support ReviewDiving After COVID-19: What We Know TodayEUBS-ECHM Position Statement on Diving ActivitiesPart 2: COVID-19 Business Support ReviewPress Release
May
Diving in the Era of COVID-19Dive Operations and COVID-19: Prepping for ReturnCOVID-19 & Diving Activities: 10 Safety RecommendationsCOVID-19: Surface Survival TimesThe Philippines at its FinestThe Logistics of ExplorationThe Art of the Underwater SelfieShooter: Douglas SeifertFAQs Answered: Disinfecting Scuba EquipmentStock your First-Aid KitResearch and OutreachCovid-19 ResearchOut of the BlueEffects of Aspirin on DivingThe New Pointy end of DivingDiving and Hepatitis CCaissons, Compressed-Air work and Deep TunnellingPreparing to Dive in the New NormalNew Health Declaration Form Sample Addressing C-19 IssuesDiving After COVID 19: What Divers Need to Know
June
Travel Smarter: PRE-TRIP VACCINATIONSAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and DivingCOVID-19: Updated First Aid Training Recommendations From DANDiving with a Purpose in National Marine SanctuariesStay Positive Through the PandemicFor the Dive Operator: How to Protect Your Staff & ClientsStudying Deep reefs and Deep diversAsking the Right QuestionsLung squeeze under cold diving conditions
July
Dive DeprivationVolunteer Fish Surveys: Engage DiversDAN Member Profile: Mehgan Heaney-GrierTravel Smarter: Don’t Cancel, Reschedule InsteadDive Boat Fire SafetyRay of HopePartner ExercisesDiving at AltitudeAluminium ExposureHip FracturesAcoustic NeuromaGuidelines for Lifelong Medical Fitness to DiveNew Dive Medical Forms
August
Women in Diving: Lauren Arthur, Conservationist & Natural History Story TellerWomen in Diving: Dr Sara Andreotti White Shark ResearcherTiming ExerciseWomen in Diving: The Salty Wanderer, Charlie WarlandWomen in Diving: Beth Neale, Aqua soul of freedivingWomen in Diving: Diving and spearfishing Diva, Jean HattinghWomen in Diving: Zandile Ndhlovu, The Black Mermaid
September
October
Freediving For ScienceStep Exercises with CardioFluorescence Imaging help Identify Coral BleachingChildren and DivingThe Watchman device and divingScuba Diving and Factor V Leiden gene mutationNitrogen Narcosis at shallow depthsOil and Particulates: Safe levels in Breathing Air at depthDive Principles for Coping with COVID-19The Importance of a Predive Safety CheckTalya Davidoff: the 'Plattelandse Meisie' Freediver
2019
February
April
May
DAN Press ReleaseYour Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 1Your Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 2Aural HygieneDCS AheadHow Divers Can Help with coral conservationRed Tide and shellfish poisoningDiving after Kidney DonationDiving with hypertrophic cardiomyopathyEmergency Underwater Oxygen Recompression
June
July
September
October
November
Exercise drills with DowelsHeart-rate TrainingCultivating ConservationTRavel Smarter : Evaluating an unfamiliar Dive operatorChallenging the Frontiers of Decompression ResearchTravel Smarter: Plan for Medical EmergenciesWhen should I call my Doctor?DAN Student Medical Expense CoverageAdvice, Support and a LifelineWetsuits and heat stressDiving after Chiropractic adjustments
2018
April
Flying after pool diving FAQLung squeeze while freediving FAQDiving after Bariatric surgery FAQMarine injuries FAQVasovagal Syncope unpredictable FAQIncident report procedure FAQDiving after knee surgery FAQDiving when in RemissionDive with orbital Implant FAQInert gas washout FAQOxygen ears FAQPost Decompression sicknessChildren and diving. The real concerns.Diving after SurgeryPhysiology of Decompresssion sickness FAQDiving and regular exerciseGordon Hiles - I am an Underwater Cameraman and Film MakerScuba Air QualityBreath-hold diving. Part 3: The Science Bit!Compensation Legislation and the Recreational DiverCape Town DivingFive pro tips for capturing better images in cold waterThe Boat Left Without You: Now What?
May
When things go wrongEmergency Planning: Why Do We Need It?Breath-hold diving: Running on reserve -Part 5 Learning to RebreatheSweet Dreams: When Can I Resume Diving Post Anaesthesia?Investing in the future of reefsTo lie or not to lie?THE STORY OF A RASH AFTER A DIVEFirst Aid KitsTaravana: Fact or Falacy?
June
Oxygen Unit MaintenanceKnow Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 1Know Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 2Emergency Oxygen unitsInjuries due to exposure - HypothermiaInjuries due to exposure - Altitude sicknessInjuries due to Exposure - Dehydration and other concernsHow to plan for your dive tripThe Future of Dive MedicinePlastic is Killing our ocean
September
Return to DivingDiagnoses: Pulmonary blebSide effects of Rectogesic ointmentDiving with ChemotherapyReplacing dive computers and BCDsCustomize Your First-Aid KitPlan for medical emergenciesHow the dive Reflex protects the brain and heartDry suits and skin BendsAltitude sickness and DCSScuba Diving and Life Expectancy
2017
March
April
Incident Insight: TriageA Field Guide to Minor MishapsSnorkels: Pros & ConsTime & RecoveryMedication & Drug UseDiving with CancerNitrox FAQCOPD FAQHyperbaric Chamber FAQJet Lag FAQHydration FAQAnticoagulant Medication FAQFluid in the Ear FAQEye Surgery FAQElderly Divers FAQNitrogen FAQHealth Concerns FAQMotion Sickness FAQMicronuclei FAQ
June
August
2016
February
March
Breath-Hold Diving & ScubaReturn to Diving After DCITiming Exercise & DivingHot Tubs After DivingSubcutaneous EmphysemaIn-Water RecompressionDiving at AltitudeFlying After DivingDiving After FlyingThe Risks of Diabetes & DivingFlu-like Symptoms Following a DiveHand & Foot EdemaFrontal HeadachesBladder DiscomfortLatex AllergiesRemember to BreatheProper Position for Emergency CareAches & PainsCell Phones While DrivingSurfers Ear Ear Ventilation TubesDealing with Ear ProblemsDiving with Existing Ear InjuriesPerforated Ear DrumENT SurgeryUnpluggedCochlear ImplantsPortuguese Man-of-WarJellyfish StingsLionfish, Scorpionfish & Stonefish EnvenomationsStingray Envenomation Coral Cuts, Scrapes and RashesSpeeding & Driving Behaviour
June
Newsflash! Low Pressure Hose DeteriorationItching & rash go away & come back!7 Things we did not know about the oceanMigraine HeadacheAttention Deficit Disorder Cerebral Vascular AccidentEpilepsyCerebral PalsyHistory of SeizuresMultiple Sclerosis Head TraumaBreast Cancer & Fitness to Dive IssuesLocal Allergic ReactionsSea LiceHow ocean pollution affects humans Dive Fatality & Lobster Mini-Season StatisticsPregnancy & DivingReturn to Diving After Giving BirthBreast Implants & DivingMenstruation During Diving ActivitiesOral Birth ControlBreast FeedingPremenstrual SyndromeOsteoporosisThe Aftermath of Diving IncidentsCompensation Legislation & the Recreational DiverNoise-Induced Hearing LossLegal MattersThe Nature of Liability & DivingDAN Legal NetworkWaivers, Children & Solo DivingHealthy, but overweight!Taking Medication while Scuba DivingGetting Fit for the Dive SeasonBone Considerations in Young DiversAsthma and Scuba DivingHepatitisDiving with HyperglycemiaShoulder PainDiving After Spinal Back Surgery
August
Hazard Identification & Risk AssessmentCaring For Your People Caring For Your FacilitiesCaring For Your BusinessScuba Air Quality Part 1Scuba Air Quality Part 2Chamber Maintenance Part 1Chamber Maintenance Part 2The Aging Diver Propeller SafetyRelease The PressureDon't Get LostMore Water, Less Bubbles13 Ways to Run Out of Air & How Not To7 Mistakes Divers Make & How To Avoid ThemSafety Is In The AirHow Good Is Your Emergency Plan
2015
January
March