Most of us have done long distance rides, some more than others. However, some of us are getting a little older now and aren't youngsters anymore. Thought it would be a good idea to put these pages on exhaustion, heat sickness and recommendations from the Iron Butt Ass. all together in one thread specifically for this purpose.
I'm placing this in the CVO Events forum because these are the functions that will have the most amount of members riding long distances and maybe pushing the envelope a little.
we have one on "dehydration and Heat Stroke"....
http://www.umm.edu/non_trauma/dehyrat.htm
and last, but not least, some recommendations by the Iron Butt Association....
http://www.ironbutt.com/tech/aowprintout.cfm
And a good link for your bike is HOG's road side assistance.........
http://www.road-america.com/ca/hd/hog_app.asp?company_code=520
It's that time of year where many of us start riding long distances and in high temps. When I started this thread, I'd never experienced heat sickness however, in the past couple of years I've experienced it more than a couple of times and it's not fun. I also know that other members of this forum suffer heat sickness.....some more than others. Click on the links above to learn the symptoms and action that you need to take....it's not always so obvious.
Here's something from this month's safety meeting from the company that I work for:
Heat stress, from exertion or hot environments, places
workers at risk for illnesses such as heat stroke, heat
exhaustion, or heat cramps.
Heat Stroke
A condition that occurs when the body becomes unable to
control its temperature, and can cause death or permanent
disability.
Symptoms
■ High body temperature
■ Confusion
■ Loss of coordination
■ Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
■ Throbbing headache
■ Seizures, coma
First Aid
■ Request immediate medical assistance.
■ Move the worker to a cool, shaded area.
■ Remove excess clothing and apply cool water to their
body.
Heat Exhaustion
The body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually
through sweating.
Symptoms
■ Rapid heart beat
■ Heavy sweating
■ Extreme weakness or fatigue
■ Dizziness
■ Nausea, vomiting
■ Irritability
■ Fast, shallow breathing
■ Slightly elevated body temperature
First Aid
■ Rest in a cool area.
■ Drink plenty of water or other cool beverages.
■ Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
Fast Facts
Heat Stress
Protecting Yourself from
Heat Cramps
Affect workers who sweat a lot during strenuous activity.
Sweating depletes the body’s salt and moisture levels.
Symptoms
■ Muscle cramps, pain, or spasms in the abdomen, arms
or legs
First Aid
■ Stop all activity, and sit in a cool place.
■ Drink clear juice or a sports beverage, or drink water
with food.
ӽ Avoid salt tablets.
■ Do not return to strenuous work for a few hours after
the cramps subside.
■ Seek medical attention if you have the following: heart
problems, are on a low-sodium diet, or if the cramps
do not subside within one hour.
Protect Yourself
Avoid heavy exertion, extreme heat, sun exposure, and high
humidity when possible. When these cannot be avoided, take
the following preventative steps:
■ Monitor your physical condition and that of your
coworkers for signs or symptoms of heat illnesses.
■ Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing
such as cotton.
ӽ Avoid non-breathable synthetic clothing.
■ Gradually build up to heavy work.
■ Schedule heavy work during the coolest parts of day.
■ Take more breaks when doing heavier work, and in
high heat and humidity.
ӽ Take breaks in the shade or a cool area.
■ Drink water frequently. Drink enough water that you
never become thirsty.
■ Be aware that protective clothing or personal protective
equipment may increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Author
Topic: Long Distance Riding................ (Read 26897 times)