HUNTING

Keeping Cool in the Heat

Times Outdoor Columnist It’s almost mid-September and we are starting to think fall and cool weather.

But don’t get ahead of Mother Nature, because we still have many hot and steamy days before it’s time to bring in the fire wood. The reason for this story is several people and dogs have gotten too hot and became very ill.

My good friend, crappie guide Ronnie Tice had to go to the hospital for over heating. He is out in the weather every day and you would think he would be used to the conditions.

Don’t be fooled because it can happen to anyone.

Every year, fishermen, dove hunters, their dogs, and even folks cutting the grass go down with hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is the medical term for heat stroke, also know as sun stroke and is potentially life threating. The first phase of over heating is heat exhaustion caused by body overheating due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or physical exertion. The skin becomes red, dry, and hot to the touch and if not cooled down, fainting, muscle cramps, rapid pulse, rapid breathing, dizziness, and headaches will occur. Heat stroke is a severe continuation of the high body temperature of 104 or more when the body quits sweating, followed by confusion, or loss of conscious awareness. This could lead to organ damage and even death.

As soon as the symptoms are recognized, start to cool the person by getting into the shade or even better into a cool air-conditioned room. Remove tight fitting clothes and start cooling with ice packs or wet towels on the head, neck and arm pits. If no A/C is available, hose down with cold water and fans. Make sure the person drinks as much water or sports drinks as possible. If the condition does not rapidly improve, its time to call 911 and get the person to the doctor or hospital. Don’t hope “I will feel better after while.”

A trip to the doctor usually involves IV drips and taking in fluids while undergoing blood and urine tests, and maybe chest X-rays and ECG. Recovery time is variable, depending on how sensitive the person is to heat. Some people handle heat better. One or two days in the hospital is the usual time, but could be longer. Often it is two months to a year to completely recover. People that have had heat stoke and recovered, say they are much more sensitive to the sun and heat.

Mother Nature will give us several more days or weeks of hot humid days and when the heat index is 90 degrees or more, use extreme caution. Drink plenty of fluids, water is best, and no caffeine drinks like coffee, tea, and soda. Always wear a cap or hat to help block the sun.

We are all guilty of getting hot and not cooling off, but we think we can get the job done in just a few more minutes and then we will get in the A/C and cool off. If your face feels really hot and a headache is starting, stop and head for the cool!

Your body has warned you and those last few minutes in the heat can be fatal.

That job can wait, especially if you are in the hospital. Needless to say, keep the kids and pets out of hot cars or enclosed spaces.

Forgive the science lesson, but Papa Duck is an old science teacher and this information is important to hunters, fishermen, and people cutting the grass and doing work during these days of heat and humidity. Won’t it be nice when a jacket feels good in the morning and the high of the day is about 80?

• DISCLAIMER: Before anybody accuses me of offering medical advice, Papa Duck has no medical expertise and is not responsible for any ill effects that could come from this article. This information came from the internet and is available to anyone.

Papa Duck Lakeside Taxidermy 870-732-0455 or 901482-3430 jhcriner@hotmail.com