Chapter 8 | Health, Safety, and Emergencies


HEAT EXHAUSTION


SIGNALS E Cool, moist, pale skin E Heavy sweating E Headache E Dizziness E Nausea EWeakness, exhaustion


TREATMENT Without prompt care, heat exhaustion can advance to a more serious condition — heat stroke. First aid includes:


E Move the person to a cool environment. E Remove clothing soaked with perspiration and loosen any tight clothing.


E Apply cool, wet towels or sheets. E Fan the person. EGive the person a half glass (4 oz.) of cool water every 15 minutes.


SEASICKNESS Sailing can cause motion sickness.


E Eat before going out, but avoid greasy, heavy foods and alcohol.


E Dress warmly. E Some people use wrist bands that


activate acupressure points. Others rely on over-the-counter or prescription medications such as Scopolamine.


E Symptoms include yawning, burping, paleness, a headache or nausea.


E Get on deck for fresh air and watch the horizon to calm your sensory system, or steer the sailboat.


HEAT STROKE


SIGNALS E Red, hot, dry or moist skin


E Very high temperature E Changes in level of consciousness


E Vomiting E Rapid, weak pulse E Rapid, shallow breathing


TREATMENT Heat stroke is life-threatening. Anyone suffering from heat stroke needs to be cooled, and 911 should be contacted immediately. To care for heat stroke:


E Move the person to a cool environment. E Apply cool, wet towels or sheets. E If available, place ice or cold packs on the


person’s wrists and ankles, groin, each armpit, and neck.


E If unconscious, check breathing and pulse.


E Eating salted crackers or drinking a carbonated cola might help.


E If you feel like you are going to vomit, move to the leeward side of the sailboat. E Monitor seasick crew members.


NOTE:


US Sailing recommends you attend first aid and CPR classes, both of which are available nationwide.


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