Health, Safety and Emergencies
HYPOTHERMIA, SEASICKNESS AND HEAT EMERGENCIES Sailing can expose you to extreme conditions, both hot and cold. On hot windless days, you’ll be exposed to a lot of sun. On windy, overcast days, the cool spray com- ing over the bow can send a chill down your spine. Be prepared for these changes. Drink lots of water and wear clothing that protects your skin and head from the sun. Have warm clothing along in case the weather turns foul. Put on your jacket or pants before you get cold. In ad- dition, you should know the warning signals for heat and cold emergencies and what to do in those situations.
SEASICKNESS
You can reduce your chances of becoming seasick by getting plenty of sleep the night before you go sailing. • Eat before going out, but avoid greasy, heavy foods and alcohol.
• Dress warmly. • Some people use wrist bands that activate accupressure points. Oth- ers rely on prescription medica- tions such as Scopolamine.
• Symptoms include yawning, burping, paleness, a headache or nausea . Get on deck for fresh air and watch the horizon to calm your sensory system. Better yet, steer the boat. Eating salted crack- ers or drinking a carbonated cola drink might help. In really bad cases, lie on your back in a spot where you’re sheltered from cold and spray.
SIGNALS... • Shivering • Impaired judgment • Dizziness • Numbness • Change in level of consciousness
• Weakness • Glassy stare
(Physical symptoms may vary, since age, body size, and clothing will cause individual differences.)
SIGNALS... • Cool, moist, pale skin • Heavy sweating • Headache • Dizziness • Nausea • Weakness, exhaustion
HEAT EXHAUSTION TREATMENT...
Without prompt care, heat exhaustion can advance to a more serious condition — heat stroke. First aid includes: • Move person to cool environment. • Remove clothing soaked with perspiration and loosen any tight clothing.
• Apply cool, wet towels or sheets. • Fan the person. • Give person a half glass (4 oz.) of cool water every 15 minutes.
SIGNALS... • Red, hot, dry or moist skin
• Very high temperature • Changes in level of con- sciousness
• Vomiting • Rapid, weak pulse • Rapid, shallow breathing
HEAT STROKE TREATMENT...
Heat stroke is life threatening. Anyone suffering from heat stroke needs to be cooled and an EMS techni- cian should be contacted immediately. To care for heat stroke: • Move person to cool environment. • Apply cool, wet towels or sheets. • If available, place ice or cold packs on the person’s wrists and ankles, groin, each armpit, and neck. • If unconscious, check breathing and pulse.
HYPOTHERMIA TREATMENT...
Medical assistance should be given to anyone with hypothermia. Until medical assistance ar- rives, these steps should be taken: • Check breathing and pulse. • Move the person to a warm place. • Remove all wet clothing. Gradually warm the person by wrapping in blankets or putting on dry clothes. Do not warm a person too quickly, such as immersing in warm water. Rapid re- warming may cause dangerous heart rhythms. Hot water bottles and chemical heat packs may be used if first wrapped in a towel or blanket before applying.
• Give warm, nonalcoholic and non-caffeinated liquids to a conscious person only.
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