RE: [Paddlewise] real heat stroke was: When in Rome do as the

I don't claim to be a skilled paddler, however, I have had symptoms that
correspond to what first responders are taught to use to diagnose incipient
heat stroke.  In my case it was while fishing in an open boat with minimal
liquid availability on a day that the air temp hit 105 F in MN, in May, a
very unusual combination.  The cure for me was to jump into the lake and
cool off, and then to get liquids in me.  I suppose this qualifies as
anectdotal since I was in no condition to take my own core temperature and
my fishing partner was not that good of a friend. <g>  However, one
consequence of that experience is that I work hard to keep well hydrated and
if I feel that I'm getting hyperthermic I will cool off in the water.  

IMO when paddling on Lake Superior it is prudent to dress for imersion. I
wear a dry suit most of the year when paddling on the north shore, because
the 50 degree surface temperature would induce hypothermia real fast.  At
least that is my experience when I jump in after a sauna.  The hyperthermia
becomes an issue when the air temp is in the 90's and the water temp is in
the 40's or 50's. My solution is to stick my hands in the water for a couple
of minutes and to pull on the neck gasket to allow some heat to escape.
Both solutions leave me feeling better if not trully lowering my core
temperature.

The data that Jackie is asking for below may be very difficult to get.
Those who die of hyperthermia will be hypothermic if they are not found
immediately.  Of those who recover from hyperthermia most will not seek
medical attention or have their core temperature documented by other
methods.

Dana
 > -----Original Message-----
 
 > From: Jackie Fenton [mailto:jackie_at_intelenet.net]
 > Sent: Thursday, August 05, 1999 5:53 PM
 > To: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
 > Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] When in Rome do as the
 ><snip>
 > Do you know of any instances where a skilled paddler has suffered
 > hyperthermia from wearing a wetsuit or drysuit?  Since 
 > hypothermia has 
 > been called the number one killer of sea kayakers, I am 
 > curious to know 
 > if anyone has actually suffered real heat stroke (hyperthermia) from 
 > wearing a wetsuit or drysuit (not anectdotal, but documented).  This
 > is a common excuse given for not wearing a wetsuit or drysuit but I
 > have never heard of any actual accounts.
 > 
 > Thanks,
 > 
 > Jackie
 
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