Hyperthermia

Heat stroke is a severe, life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's temperature regulation system fails during outdoor activities in hot conditions. It happens when core body temperature rises above 104°F (40°C), causing the body to stop sweating and leading to confusion, altered mental state, and potential organ failure. Heat stroke is a medical emergency common among hikers and campers who become dehydrated, overexert themselves in high temperatures, or fail to seek shade and cooling during hot weather activities.

Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool itself effectively, commonly experienced by hikers and campers during strenuous outdoor activities in hot weather. Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, headache, muscle cramps, and dizziness, typically developing when body temperature rises but remains below 104°F. It represents a serious warning sign that can progress to life-threatening heat stroke if not addressed immediately through rest, shade, hydration, and cooling measures. Prevention involves proper hydration, taking frequent breaks, wearing appropriate clothing, and recognizing early warning signs during outdoor activities.

Hypothermia is a dangerous medical condition that occurs when the body's core temperature drops below 95°F (35°C), commonly affecting campers and hikers in cold, wet, or windy conditions. It happens when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to symptoms like uncontrolled shivering, confusion, loss of coordination, and potentially life-threatening complications. Prevention involves wearing appropriate layered clothing, staying dry, maintaining proper nutrition and hydration, and recognizing early warning signs. Hypothermia is one of the most serious risks in outdoor recreation and requires immediate treatment through gradual rewarming and seeking emergency medical care in severe cases.