Preventing Heat Illness in Travelers: Essential Strategies for Safe Travel

Heat illness is a serious concern for travelers, especially those engaging in outdoor and physically demanding activities. As travel and experiential education company owners, it’s imperative to understand how to prevent heat-related illnesses to ensure the safety and well-being of your participants. This blog provides an overview of heat illness prevention, highlighting the importance of preparedness and the use of tools like the Heat Index and Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) device.

Understanding Heat Index and WBGT

Heat Index: The Heat Index is one way to measure the “apparent temperature,” what the body actually feels, factoring in both air temperature and relative humidity. A potential shortcoming of the Heat Index is that its component measurements are taken in the shade. Remembering that exposure to full sunshine can increase Heat Index values by up to 15°F allows the Heat Index to be used more appropriately. For standard definitions of temperature ranges and corresponding guidelines, refer to the NOAA Heat Index chart.

Wet Bulb Globe Temperature: For a more comprehensive measure, Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) has been developed. WBGT accounts for weather conditions including heat, humidity, and sun exposure, providing a more accurate assessment of heat stress risk. There are small hand-held devices which can provide on-site, real-time WBGT measurements. Examples of this device are Kestrel’s hand-help units. Would purchasing such a device make sense for your organization? For an in-depth understanding of WBGT monitoring, check out this overview from UConn’s Korey Stringer Institute.

Work/Rest Schedules

The CDC offers guidelines for work/rest schedules to help mitigate the risk of heat illness during various levels of physical activity. These schedules are adjusted for direct sun exposure, adding 13°F to the Heat Index values. For practical and detailed schedules, refer to the CDC's work/rest guidelines.

Prevention Strategies

1. Plan Activities with Heat in Mind:

• Schedule strenuous activities during cooler parts of the day (early morning or late afternoon).

• Ensure ample breaks and shaded rest areas.

• Hydration is key; provide access to water and encourage frequent drinking.

2. Monitor Weather Conditions:

• Regularly check weather forecasts and Heat Index values.

• Use WBGT devices for real-time monitoring of environmental conditions.

3. Educate Participants and Staff:

• Train staff and participants on recognizing signs of heat illness such as heat syncope, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

• Educate staff and participants on the importance of hydration and appropriate clothing.

4. Create Emergency Response Plans:

• Develop and communicate clear protocols for responding to heat illness.

• Ensure first aid supplies are readily available, including items specifically for heat-related emergencies.

Recognizing and Responding to Heat Illness

Heat Cramps (detailed link):

• Symptoms: Muscle pains or spasms. COre body temperature is normal.

• Response: Stop activity, move to a cooler place, and hydrate.

Heat Syncope (detailed link):

• Loss of consciousness due to inadequate blood flow to the brain

• Commonly occurs after prolonged standing without movement, or sudden rising from a sitting or lying position in the heat.

• Symptoms: Dizziness, weakness, tunnel vision, pale or sweaty skin, weak pulse preceding loss of consciousness. Core body temperature is normal. 

• Response: 

• Move the person to shaded/cool area to decrease body temperature

• Sit or lie down as soon as the patient begins to feel symptoms

• Monitor vital signs to ensure the person does not also acquire another medical condition such as heat stroke

• Elevate legs to promote blood returning to the heart

• Rehydrate with water or a sports beverage

Heat Exhaustion (detailed link):

• Symptoms: Weakness, sweaty and hot OR cool and clammy clammy skin, fast/weak pulse, nausea, or vomiting. Core body temperature is elevated. Mental status is normal.

• Response: Move to a cool place, loosen or remove clothing, apply cool, wet cloths, sip water, seek medical attention if necessary.

Heat Stroke (detailed link):

• This is a medical emergency with high risk for death.

• Symptoms: Altered mental status plus core body temperature above 104°F. Other symptoms may include hot, red, dry, or sweaty skin, rapid pulse, and other symptoms of heat exhaustion.

• Response: Call 911 immediately. Begin aggressive cooling immediately with an ice bath, cold water submersion to the neck, hosed water, or evaporative cooling. These victims can’t cool themselves and require immediate aggressive cooling to prevent organ failure and death.  

Conclusion

Preventing heat illness requires careful planning, monitoring, and education. By understanding and using tools like the Heat Index and Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, and following work/rest schedule guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. Keeping your travelers safe is paramount, and these strategies will help protect your participants, staff, and business. Remember, being well-prepared for potential heat risks not only ensures safety but also enhances the overall travel experience for everyone involved.