EXERTIONAL HEAT STROKE

Events held during the summer months make riders susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. One can progress from exhaustion to heat stroke quickly. The cause is severe elevation of the body's core temperature due to muscular exercise with the body being unable to cope with it. SIGNS:     Early signs are dizziness, weakness or nausea. These may not occur.     Sweating progressing to dry, hot skin. Skin may be pink or pale.     Pupils may be constricted or pin-point.     Increased heart rate and hyperventilation.     Loss of consciousness.     May progress to seizures and delirium and coma. TREATMENT: If the rider recognizes the early sings of heat stroke, he should stop, rest, and shed some gear to cool off.     Other riders, seeing someone down, must stop and render aid .     Ride to the next checkpoint and notify the workers of the emergency.     Emergency treatment consists of the following:         If unconscious, check for open airway and pulse.         Offer water only if conscious.         Remove tight clothing and helmet.         Pour lots of water on the rider - not ice water.         Get rider into the shade. Get EVAC to the scene as soon as possible. They need to start IV fluids and transport to a hospital.