4. HYPERTHERMIA

Hyperthermia is an obvious topic that needs to be covered when we are discussing medical emergencies when mountain biking in Australia. A heat-induced illness, often caused by exertion in a hot environment or aberrancy of the body’s innate cooling mechanisms, risks of experiencing heat related illness include excessive exertion, hot and humid conditions, inadequate fluids, hot and heavy clothing. This risk can be exacerbated by certain drugs and viral infections.

To avoid hyperthermia, it’s advised to avoid cycling in the hottest parts of the day in warm climates, and reduce time exposed to heat and intensity in the heat. Using cool clothing and keeping hydrated with water and electrolytes are just a couple of sensible ways to minimise your risk.

Heat-related illness occurs on a spectrum, with heat-exhaustion associated with headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. This usually correlates to a body temperature of 40 degrees. Heat stroke, while often used as an umbrella term for feeling awful in the heat, is actually the term referring to more severe heat-related illness, with a body temperature of over 40 degrees, altered conscious state or collapse, lack of sweating and hot, dry skin. This is a medical emergency as all body organs can be effected at this point. What to do: • If suffering heat exhaustion lie patient in the cool/shade and loosen and remove excessive clothing • Moisten skin and cool by fanning, if conscious encourage oral fluids and call for ambulance if not improving • For the case of altered consciousness or heat-stroke, call for an ambulance and resuscitate if required (see article one), then place patient in a cool environment, spray with fluids or moisten skin then fan to cool down, applying ice packs to neck groin and armpits if available.