Following a disaster, natural or man made, clean drinking water is often in short supply. Coupled with the strenuous activity of clearing debris, or rebuilding your home, the risk of dehydration is always greater than normal. As a rule, the person suffering from dehydration will not be the first to notice the symptoms. In the aftermath of a disaster watch those around you closely. A loss of as little as 2% of normal body fluids can bring on symptoms of dehydration.
Symptoms of mild dehydration include all, or some of the following;
cramping in the arms and legs,
headaches,
dry mouth, dry tongue; with thick saliva,
flushed face
extreme thirst, more than normal or unable to drink,
dry, warm skin
cannot pass urine or reduced amounts, dark, yellow,
dizziness made worse when you are standing
weakness
crying with few or no tears
sleepy or irritable,In cases of mild dehydration, increased fluid intake is mandatory. Water is preferable to sports drinks in these situations as the correct balance of electrolytes is unknown. Get the person to a cool place, out of the sun. Have them stop all strenuous activity, remove clothing and lie quietly with their feet elevated. Symptoms should subside slowly, but watch the person for signs of a worsening condition and have them avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours.
Symptoms severe dehydration includes some, or all of the following.
rapid and deep breathing - faster than normal,
fast, weak pulse,
skin loses its firmness and looks wrinkled,
lack of elasticity of the skin,
severe muscle contractions in the arms, legs, stomach, and back,
sunken dry eyes, with few or no tears,
low blood pressure,
fainting,
convulsions,
a bloated stomach,
heart failure,
sunken fontanels, (the soft spot on an infants headIn severe dehydration, the patient may develop evidence of shock, including:
diminished consciousness,
lack of urine output,
cool moist extremities,
a rapid and feeble pulse (the pulse may be undetectable),
low or undetectable blood pressure,
peripheral cyanosis, (extremities and nail beds have a blue cast).Death follows soon if rehydration is not started quickly. In moderate to severe dehydration a sport drink, or rehydration drink should be given. If none is available you can make one using the following recipe.
DO NOT GIVE THIS DRINK TO CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF TWELVE.
Mix the following;
1 quart of water,
1/2 teaspoon baking soda,
1/2 teaspoon table salt, or a "lite" potassium based salt substitute,
3 to 4 tablespoons of sugar.A person suffering from dehydration should drink a minimum of ten glasses of water per day.
Seek medical attention if the person does not improve quickly, or if they experience any of the following symptoms.
Decreased alertness,
dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling of fainting.
decreased urination.