Climbers and walkers are being warned to be careful of overheating and dehydration. More accustomed to coping with the cold and wet, people taking to the hills during the hot weather will have a different set of problems to face.
“Even experienced climbers can be caught out by the heat,” said Heather Morning, Mountain Safety Adviser with the Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS).
“Dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which is potentially fatal, are all possibilities in this weather. Climbers and walkers should be aware of the signs to look out for in themselves and in their companions.”
The MCofS says that sunburn is the most commonly suffered ailment in hot weather. There can be little or no shade available in the mountains and people should use sun cream and cover up to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. But, though the most common ailment, sunburn isn’t the only danger. Physical exertion increases the risk of both dehydration and heatstroke, as bodies produce more heat than they can get rid and sweating increases.
As people overheat they start to lose more fluid than they take in, and the body’s core temperature starts to rise and the levels of water and salt in the body begin to fall, which can cause a person to feel sick, feel faint and sweat heavily.
For someone suffering heat exhaustion, Heather advises that they, “be taken quickly to a cool, shady place and given water to drink. Excess clothing should be removed. They should begin to feel better within half an hour and have no long-term complications. Without treatment, they could develop heatstroke.”
Heatstroke is more serious and occurs when the body can no longer cool itself and starts to overheat. When the core temperature is beyond 40 degrees C the cells in the body start to break down, sweating ceases, heart and breathing rates increase and the person may have a fit, hallucinate or lose consciousness. Heatstroke is a medical emergency requiring urgent treatment.
If away from access to roads and an ambulance, the Mountain Rescue should be called and the person should be kept as cool as possible until help can arrive. Move them to a cool area, remove excess clothing and try to cool them by fanning or bathing with cool water. If they are conscious, give them cool – not cold – water to drink.
As ever, prevention is better than cure.While out in the hills, walkers should carry – and drink – plenty of water, topping up from streams where safe to do so as they go. Wear loose, light-coloured clothes and stay out of the sun as much as possible. It’s best to take a rest when the midday sun is at its hottest – in the shade if possible – and you should consider whether you can pick a shorter or less strenuous route if the weather is particularly warm.
Heather says that, “Above all, listen to your body. Muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, impaired concentration, confusion, light-headedness, nausea, laboured breathing, chest discomfort, and a rapid or erratic pulse can all be signs of trouble.”