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Heat and Hiking
Many hikers in Hong Kong have recently been injured or fallen ill due to the heat by underestimating the weather and overestimating themselves. Several deaths due to the heat have also been recorded; but it does not have to be this way; being prepared before and during a hike can prevent such tragedies. During Summer (June-September) Hong Kong regularly experiences temperatures well over 30 degrees centigrade and humidity levels over 85%. This combination can cause many to succumb to heat exhaustion and heat stroke; the two most dangerous heat emergencies. Proper, prompt first aid is required to prevent lethal injuries.
Heat exhaustion is caused by water and/or salt depletion which leads to dehydration. Symptoms include heavy perspiration, fatigue, severe thirst, vomiting, headache and sometimes diarrhoea. Some victims of heat exhaustion may believe they are suffering from the flu. If heat exhaustion is not treated promptly, heat stroke may occur. Heat stroke usually afflicts those who overexert themselves or are unfit for strenuous hiking. Medically speaking, heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer control the heat inside it and internal organs start to "cook". Symptoms include: extremely hot/red skin when touched, little or no sweat, an altered mental status (from confused to a coma) and seizures. This is a medical emergency!
Heat stroke, is a medical emergency where minutes count. Lay the victim down, with their head and shoulders slightly elevated, and remove all their clothing down to their underwear. Seek immediate medical attention while administering first aid. Placing ice bags in the groin, armpits and side of the neck is most beneficial if the humidity is over 75%. If no ice is available, spraying the victim with any liquids available is still acceptable. A mobile phone and map are the two easiest ways of getting help. In every country park, distance posts are stationed every 500 meters. The posts have numbers on them, and can be located on a map (usually shown by red arrows). Finding the nearest distance post is an easy way to find your location and call for help. If you do not have a mobile phone, you may have to rely on the international distress signal "SOS". You can use a torch or whistle to do this- send out 6 long blasts within a minute. Making a large sign with stones or branches that spell out "SOS" may aid in rescue. When dialing 999 make sure you tell the emergency services operator that you are in a country park. Only request the flying services if there is a life-threatening emergency- this service has been constantly abused.
During the hike, make sure your group drinks enough water and stop occasionally for rest and food. Keep an eye out for those who are having trouble. And most of all, enjoy your hike! As the Boy Scouts say; "Be Prepared!" - and you'll be ready for anything. ( Contributions from Mark Liao ) |
For many people in Hong Kong, summer hiking is a social, family and recreational event. Hong Kong's country parks span a huge 40% of the territory from easy strolls to arduous hikes. Unfortunately, as the interest increases, so do the accidents.
The two heat emergencies that are of most concern are heat stroke and 
Cooling is the main objective for a victim of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. You should immediately stop the victim from doing activity and have them rest in a cool area. For heat exhaustion, giving cool drinks with electrolytes (e.g. a sports drink or slightly salted water) may help. Lay them down and raise the legs 8-12", remove any excessive clothing and seek medical attention if the victim does not improve within 30 minutes.
There are many things you can do to make your outing as safe as possible. For yourself, make sure you wear loose, light clothing. Bring a small, but comprehensive