There is one form of physical damage that can creep up on you without warning. It is easily ignored until too late. It can cripple you and place you and your team at great risk. HEAT STRESS. This is a serious condition that can lead to a range of physical symptoms, culminating in unconsciousness and, in extreme cases, death. But, this form of heat induced ailment can be easily avoided with some forethought and the right equipment.

Heat Stress is one of a series of conditions where the body is under stress from overheating. It includes heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat rash and heat stroke. These conditions produce physical symptoms such as profuse sweating, dizziness, delirium, and collapse. Heat stress can be precipitated by many sources, including high temperatures, heavy workloads, inappropriate clothing, and lack of proper hydration. Substances such as caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and medications (particularly sedatives, tranquilizers and diet pills) all accelerate the onset of heat stress.

There are some precautions you can take to avoid becoming a victom to heat stress.
 Learn to recognise the symptoms of heat stress.
 Pace yourself if possible.
 Take adequate rest periods – in shade – if the operation allows.
 Wear loose clothing to allow for better ventilation.
 STAY HYDRATED!

Drink plenty of water. In a hot environment the body requires more water than typically need to satisfy your thirst, so you need to drink more than you think you need! Hydrate BEFORE the operation, over a period of days if you have advance notice. And make sure you take sufficient water along on the operation.

The easiest way to carry water on an operation is by using the Hydration Pack. It can hold up to 3 litres of water and will ensure that you never get left in the predicament where you can’t get back to your supply of water. An alternative is to add a bladder and drinking tube to a H-Harness.