Get Outdoors - Emergencies: Dehydration

In all situations of high altitude, extreme environmental heat or cold, or vigorous exercise, people underestimate their need for fluids. Thirst is not a reliable indicator of dehydration.Signs and symptoms of dehydration.

Mild dehydration: Thirst, dry mucous membranes (mouth, eyes), dry armpits, dark urine, decreased sweating, normal pulse rate.
Moderate dehydration: The above plus sunken eyes, doughy skin, weakness, scant darkened urine, rapid and weak pulse rate.
Severe dehydration: The above plus altered mental status, elevated body temperature, no urine, no tears, no sweating, collapse, shock.

How do I treat dehydration?

Mild dehydration: Drink soda water, clear juices, tea, broth, and electrolyte-containing sports beverages.
Moderate dehydration: Drink diluted (by 1/2 with water) electrolyte-containing sports beverages, mineral water (bottled), or a homemade solution alternated with 1/2 to 1 liter of plain disinfected water.

Homemade solution:

One quart of disinfected water
1/2 - 1 tsp. sodium chloride [table salt]
1/2 tsp. sodium bicarbonate [baking soda]
1/4 tsp. potassium chloride [salt substitute]
Glucose: 6 to 8 tsp. table sugar or 1 to 2 Tbsp. honey.

Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) that meet World Health Organization standards are formulated to treat moderate to severe dehydration and are available in a dry mix, 1 packet per quart of water. Cera Lyte 70 oral rehydration salts is based on a rice solution. Mix one packet with a liter of water.
Try to get the victim of any degree of dehydration to ingest a liter per hour until the frequency of urination begins to increase and the urine color turns light or clear.