"We are all faced with a series of great opportunities - brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems" - John W. Gardner
Dehydration
Dehydration is a potential issue in survival situations. Dehydration occurs when water intake does not replace water lost due to normal physiologic processes, or other causes, including diarrhea, and vomiting. Dehydration can be life-threatening when severe and lead to seizures or respiratory arrest.
It is essential we can recognize the signs of dehydration (in ourselves and others) and deal with them before they develop into something more debilitating:
- Thirsty.
- Dry mouth or sticky saliva.
- Dry skin.
- Skin flushing.
- Dark colored urine.
- Fatigue or weakness.
- Chills.
- Head rushes.
If we are showing these signs, we are in the early stages of dehydration and need to start rehydrating as soon as possible. Drink non-caffeinated fluid (preferably water or a sports drink) in small sips. Do not gulp it down!
In more severe cases of dehydration, we may experience:
- Increased heart rate.
- Increased respiration.
- Decreased sweating.
- Decreased urination.
- Increased body temperature.
- Extreme fatigue.
- Muscle cramps.
- Headaches.
- Nausea.
- Tingling of the limbs.
If we reach severe dehydration it is important to stop and cool down. Administering fluid intravenously would be preferred by unlikely in our situation. Fluids containing electrolytes (sports drink or Pedialite) should be taken in small sips. Electrolytes are necessary for maintaining healthy cell function. Water should be taken in the absence of electrolytes until symptoms have subsided followed by a salty snack or a light meal.
In the most serious of dehydration cases we might display the following symptoms:
- Muscle spasms.
- Vomiting.
- Racing pulse.
- Shriveled skin.
- Dim vision.
- Painful urination.
- Confusion.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Seizures.
- Chest and abdominal pain.
- Unconsciousness.
The best available medical care and intravenous fluids are required for the best outcome. Given our survival scenario, both of these are unlikely leaving us to do our best with the knowledge and tools available. It is possible to administer fluid rectally under these dire circumstances. Lay the patient on their side with their buttocks elevated. A lubricated plastic tube with a blunt end can be passed through the anus approximately nine inches into the rectum. It should not be forced so as avoid perforating the bowel.
Using an improvised funnel and drip bag, slowly administer 200mls (7 FL Oz) of fluid over a fifteen to twenty minute period repeating every four hours. Up to 1200 mls (40 Fl Oz) can be given in a twenty four hour period. Quantity can be adjusted according to tolerance.
Not a pleasant topic but a necessary lifesaving one in extreme circumstances.
Where we are working to overcome our new circumstances it is often easier to overexert and not pay as much attention as necessary to replacing any lost fluids. If we don't purify our drinking water properly we may contract diarrhea or vomiting and lose even more fluids negatively contributing to our condition. We must stay alert as to what our body is telling us and deal with it accordingly.
"Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier" - Colin Powell