Com, All rights reserved Heat Related Injuries Guide - OutdoorPlaces. Just like hypothermia, the very old, the very young, and those with circulatory disorders are more likely to get heat related injuries. Every year heat related injuries kill experienced, well-conditioned hikers. In the United States Grand Canyon National Park claims five to ten people each year on average for heat related death, and hundreds of people are treated for heat related injuries. Just like it s cold weather cousin hypothermia, victims of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke tend to ignore their condition until it is too late.
Dehydration is a major contributing factor to heat related injuries.
Proper hydration when outdoors in hot conditions is very critical in aiding the prevention of heat related injuries. Under normal conditions the body loses about one gallon of fluid a day through sweating, breathing, and going to the bathroom. Certain medical conditions, like severe diarrhea, can up the fluid loss too as much as six gallons of fluid in a day. When you engage in strenuous activity the amount of fluid loss greatly increases. You should drink at least one quart of fluid for each hour you are out doing physical activity.