Keep Your Cool ATVing in Summer Heat

As summer heats up, so does the potential for heat-related illness when driving your ATV. If you or your riding buddies are out in extreme heat this summer, you should know how to recognize the signs of heat-related illness by evaluating the symptoms, and following these first aid actions:

• Heat cramps: Sip water or a diluted sports drink and gently stretch your muscles.
• Heat syncope: Lie down in a cool area.
• Heat exhaustion: Lay down in a cool area with your legs raised. Remove excessive layers of clothing. Give up to 1 liter of water. Do not continue drinking if you vomit. Continue to cool down with cold, wet cloths and a fan.
• Heatstroke: Call for medical help immediately. While you wait for help to arrive, move to a cool place, remove clothing down to the underwear and apply ice packs at the neck, armpits and groin. Cover the victim with wet towels or cloths or spray him or her with cool water, and fan them quickly evaporate the dampness on the skin.

Catch it earlyAwareness is vital to prevent heat-related illnesses. Watch for warning signs of heat illness and educate yourself on what to look for in victims. While people can adapt to the heat, they need know their limits and must never push beyond them.

Other preventative measures that can be taken to combat the heat:

• Eat light. The more calories you take in, the more body heat you produce.
• Drink plenty of fluids before work and throughout the day. Drink at least 8 ounces per half hour.
• Choose the proper type and amount of clothing. Cotton allows skin to breathe and absorbs sweat.
• Heat illnesses, especially in the summer, are the consequence of not recognizing the warning signs. Hot conditions don’t have to be dangerous if you watch for the warning signs, and get cooperation from workers to prevent heat-related illness.

Click here for easy ways to stay safe outdoors.