Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke

Its that time of year again. Summer is here, and with it the heat. San Diego is a wonderful place to hike, there are so many hiking trails to chose from and so many different types of terrain and climates. There can be such a difference in climate between the coast and the inland areas that many people forget just how hot it can get just 20 minutes from the coast, for instance hiking at Torrey Pines and Hiking at Lake Poway can be vastly different experiences. While you may expect some warm weather at the beach and will put on a little sun block and or a hat for a small hike through Torrey Pines if you go inland that temperature can now change by 20 degrees or more, you no longer have that cool ocean breeze to help you out, and there can be virtually no shade to take advantage of.

While the two areas of Cedar Creek Falls and 3 Sisters Falls are no stranger to heat injuries two recent incidences remind us of just how perilous these hikes can be if you are not prepared.

On June 16th 2015,  a 24 year old man and his companions were making their way back up the Eagle Peak Road ( the trail from the Julian down to Cedar Creek Falls) when he began to stumble and feel faint ( signs of heat exhaustion) before they knew it he had passed out and they where performing CPR on him while they waited for the rescue helicopter, unfortunately he died while on the way to the hospital.

About a week after this incident 2 girls about 9 years of age overcome by heat had to be airlifted from the Cedar Creek Falls Trail even after the YMCA hiking leaders were advised not to take the group down to the falls in 100 degree weather by the trail hosts. Thankfully this incident had a good outcome, the girls where ok and released back to the YMCA camp until their parents could pick them up.

These two instances underscore the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and how to treat it before it progress’s into heat stroke.

Heat Exhaustion:

Heat Exhaustion is a heat illness that can occur after you have been exposed to high temperatures, particularly when combined with high humidity and strenuous exercise. Without proper treatment, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, a life threatening condition.

Heat Stroke

If treatment for heat exhaustion doesn’t work and you think you and or your companions are slipping into Heat Stroke call 911 or get help as soon as possible. Heat Stroke can kill or cause damage to the brain and other internal organs. Heat stroke usually occurs as a progression from lesser forms of heat illness such as heat cramps, fainting, or heat exhaustion, but Heat Stroke can occur even without any signs of previous heat injury’s.

Heat Stroke is strongly related to the Heat Index. The Heat Index is a measurement of how hot you feel when the effects of relative humidity and air temperature are combined.  A relative humidity of 60 % can hamper your body’s ability to cool itself and a heat index of 90 degrees or more increases the risk of heat related illnesses.Keep in mind that exposure to  full sunshine ( no shade) can increase the heat index by 15 degrees. With that in mind its important to check the weather reports before heading out on a hike especially during any heat waves.