DesertRat
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- Joined
- Mar 22, 2025
- Messages
- 125
As a 30 yr EMT I've been the victim of Heat Exhaustion and also have treated numerous fellow co-workers for Heat-Related Illnesses.
Sad but true Death Valley in Summer any year would be dodgy and having ridden extensively in Central Australia and the NW Kimberley and NT Top End in Summer know the need to keep hydrated and wear protective clothing like full ATGATT to keep your moisture loss and wind burn under control. Being wet with sweat in a jacket with vents is actually cooler and less dehydrating than no jacket at all, especially the radiant heat.
FACT
1) Your Body starts degrading and starts losing its optimum performance after the age of 30;
2) At 40 your Body is like a used-hard put-up-wet Sports Car. Yea, it still looks Great, but Wide Open Throttle just doesn't perform and you end up breaking/hurting something(s);
Note: See-Aging changes in organs, tissue and cells.
Aging changes in organs, tissue and cells: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
All vital organs begin to lose some function as you age. Aging changes occur in all of the body's cells, tissues, and organs, and these changes affect the functioning of all body systems.
3) At 50, (due to mutiple stays at a Trauma Center), I started re-implementing my own "Risk Assessment" before doing anything where I could hurt myself, (High Heat >95 Outside Exertion and obviously riding my Bike). Its commonly over 110 in AZ in the summer. I either wake up at 3am and do a free things or wait until the Temp drops below 95.
In 30 yrs I've encountered two cases in the field of a emergency medical condition called; RHABDO or EXERTIONAL RHABDOMYOLYSIS.
Rhabdomyolysis is a potentially life-threatening disorder caused by excessive muscle breakdown. RHABDO occurs when the muscle fibers are destroyed and Rhabdo then occurs. Most cases of this condition happen when someone pushes themselves too hard in any type of indoor or outdoor srrenuous activity.
Both started with symptoms of Heat Exhaustion, even though they both stated that their hydration (pre, during and post event), was sufficient.
Heat Exhaustion and RHADO is a Medical Emergency that REQUIRES an ER Visit. They need to initiate immediate IV Fluids Therapy, after examining urine/blood tests to check things like Blood Glucose, Electrolytes, Renal System Function and a Blood Chemistry Panel, as every single organ can be effected by both Heat Exhaustion and RHADO.
Without ER treatment, untreated RHABDO can lead to severe Renal System Damage and sometimes Multi Organ Failure and Death, (and sometimes develops into another condition called Compartment Syndrone, which requires surgical intervention).
Signs/Symptoms of the Onset of RHABDO
1) The hallmark symptom of rhabdo is dark, tea-colored urine that shows up one to three days after an extreme workout. This is not to be confused with Blood in the Urine.
With rhabdo, however, this discoloration is actually a toxic protein called myoglobin. As overworked muscles begin to break down, these harmful proteins are released into the bloodstream. When these proteins flood the kidneys, they can cause permanent damage. The most serious complication of Rhabdo is acute renal failure (in a about 15% of patients who are diagnosed with the condition).
Type A's like most of Us, have minds and a thought processes that hasn't changed from our 20-30s. Our Brains analyze the Task, then Write a Check that our Bodies can no longer cash.
My Army Bud who's 70 came up with a Cliche; "This Gettin' Old is Getting Old."
I hope this helps everyone stay safe.
DR
