Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Heat Exhaustion or Heatstroke
Dehydration is the main contributor to heat exhaustion. Symptoms include weakness,
headache, irritability, nausea or vomiting, sweaty skin, a fast but weak pulse and a normal
or slightly elevated body temperature. Treatment involves getting the sufferer out of the
heat, fanning the sufferer and applying cool wet cloths to the skin, laying the sufferer flat
with their legs raised and rehydrating with water containing a quarter of a teaspoon of salt
per liter. Recovery is usually rapid and it is common to feel weak for some days after-
wards.
Heatstroke is a serious medical emergency. Symptoms come on suddenly and include
weakness, nausea, a hot, dry body with a body temperature of over 106°F, dizziness, con-
fusion, loss of coordination, fits and eventually collapse and loss of consciousness. Seek
medical help and commence cooling by getting the person out of the heat, removing their
clothes, fanning them and applying cool, wet cloths or ice to their body, especially to the
groin and armpits.
Hypothermia
To prevent hypothermia, keep all body surfaces covered, including the head and neck.
Synthetic materials such as fleece or Gore-Tex provide excellent insulation. The body
loses heat faster when it is wet, so stay dry at all times. Change inner garments promptly
when they become moist. Keep active, but get enough rest. Consume plenty of food and
water. Be especially sure not to have any alcohol. Caffeine and tobacco should also be
avoided.
Watch for the 'umbles' - stumbles, mumbles, fumbles and grumbles - which are import-
ant signs of impending hypothermia. If someone appears to be developing hypothermia,
you should insulate them from the ground, protect them from the wind, remove wet cloth-
ing or cover them with a vapor barrier such as a plastic bag, and transport them immedi-
ately to a warm environment and a medical facility. Warm fluids (but not coffee or tea -
noncaffeinated herbal teas are OK) may be given if the person is alert enough to swallow.
INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
Entering the USA
Getting into the United States can be complicated, depending on your country of
origin, as the rules keep changing. For up-to-date information about visas and im-
migration, check the website of the
US Department of State
(
www.travel.state.gov
)and the travel section of
US Customs & Border Protection
(
www.cbp.gov
).
For the most part, all foreign visitors need a visa to enter the US. Exceptions in-
clude most citizens from Canada and Bermuda, certain North American Free Trade
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