I Helped A Fellow Cyclist with Heat Stroke Today

[Bike nut]

As I was riding today I came to the top of a hill and saw a cyclists sitting on a guard rail. I was eating on my bike and figured I would go over to talk to him. I asked him how it was going and he said, "Terrible." He also told me that he was dizzy and could not longer ride his bike. I told him to wait right there and I rode to a nearby fire station and got the firemen to help him. Even though I did not do a lot, I still felt good about myself.

[Dchiefransom]

Even though I did not do a lot, I still felt good about myself.


Heat stroke kills!!!!! Good thinking. :D

[Longhorn]

You did a lot! I'm sure that cyclist appreciates it and you made me feel good to know that folks like you are out there! So thanks! :)

[lilHinault]

Good for you!! It's HOT out there, and that heat does kill people.

[solo54]

As I was riding today I came to the top of a hill and saw a cyclists sitting on a guard rail. I was eating on my bike and figured I would go over to talk to him. I asked him how it was going and he said, "Terrible." He also told me that he was dizzy and could not longer ride his bike. I told him to wait right there and I rode to a nearby fire station and got the firemen to help him. Even though I did not do a lot, I still felt good about myself.
Bike nut, You did a wonderful thing for someone in need. You may have saved the guys life. You stated you did not do a lot. You got the guy help. You did plenty. You should feel very good about yourself. I bet the guy you helped will never forget you. :)

[MikeR]

As I was riding today I came to the top of a hill and saw a cyclists sitting on a guard rail. I was eating on my bike and figured I would go over to talk to him. I asked him how it was going and he said, "Terrible." He also told me that he was dizzy and could not longer ride his bike. I told him to wait right there and I rode to a nearby fire station and got the firemen to help him. Even though I did not do a lot, I still felt good about myself.Good job, Bike Nut!
I have a questions for everyone. If I get heat stroke or come across someone who seams to be suffering from heat stroke and there is no fireman or cop around what ahould I do?

[Longhorn]

Good job, Bike Nut!
I have a questions for everyone. If I get heat stroke or come across someone who seams to be suffering from heat stroke and there is no fireman or cop around what ahould I do?

Here's what the Mayo Clinic says:

Consumer Health Tips and Products

Monday, August 18, 2003

Treating Heat Exhaustion

ROCHESTER, Minn. -- During the long hot days of summer, it’s possible for the body’s natural cooling mechanism to be overwhelmed. Symptoms of heat exhaustion often begin suddenly and may include faintness, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, cold and clammy skin, nausea and, in fair-skinned people, an ashen appearance. The August issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter recommends these steps if you suspect someone is experiencing heat exhaustion. Make sure the person:

* Gets out of the heat, preferably into an air-conditioned place

* Lies down with legs elevated slightly

* Loosens or removes most clothing

* Drinks cold water or a sports drink to replenish fluids

If there’s no improvement after these steps are taken, get the person to a doctor. Heat exhaustion can quickly evolve into the more dangerous heatstroke. If signs of heatstroke develop -- the two key signs being a fever of 105 F or higher and hot, dry skin -- seek emergency medical help.

[MsMittens]

You might also want to consider, if possible, putting them under a lukewarm shower. When I got my new bike a few weeks ago and did a test ride on one of the hottest days I nearly had a heatstroke. Quick fix was a lukewarm shower. It returns the body temp to a reasonable place.

[DocJ]

There's a difference between heat stroke, which is a medical emergency, and heat exhaustion. Either one, of course, needs immediate attention and its good to hear that you helped a fellow cyclist out. Heat exhaustion is what we commonly see in people who exert themselves in hot (but not necessarily so) weather. Symptoms are sweaty, pale skin, tiredness or even confusion... pretty much loods like what you can see at the end of any sporting event from people not conditioned for the event. Have the person rest in a cooler, shady area and sip a drink. Heat stroke is a real killer, and usually means that the person will be unconcious (or will be soon). Heat stroke victims' temperatures are dangerously high (around 106 or higher) and will typically have hot, dry, red skin. These people need to cool down asap! Get them in a cool place and remove clothing, wet them down and fan them to cool by evaporation. If you have something cold (ice, soft drinks..) stick it in their armpits and groin to cool them faster. The thing with heat stroke is that they are so hot, that their brain is cooking. Actual heat stroke victims are very likely to enter coma or die. Brain damage is very likely. This is just a quick once-over contrasting the two.. its likely your guy was feeling some heat exhaustion symptoms. Of course, anyone who suffers heat stroke had heat exhaustion first, so its good that you acted. Hope this helps.

[Cyclaholic]

Good job, Bike Nut!
I have a questions for everyone. If I get heat stroke or come across someone who seams to be suffering from heat stroke and there is no fireman or cop around what ahould I do?

....you should wait for him to get back on his bike, follow him untill he falls down dead, then take his bike and the cash out of his wallet. :eek: :p

[eubi]

DocJ is right on the money. I agree, the cyclist you helped was probably suffering from heat exhaustion. Just the same, you did the right thing by helping.

A person suffering from heat stroke will not be able to think correctly. It's doubtful they could do a simple math problem, or tell you their address. These are good tests for both heat stroke, and interestingly enough, hyopthermia.

[oboeguy]

DocJ is right on the money. I agree, the cyclist you helped was probably suffering from heat exhaustion. Just the same, you did the right thing by helping.

A person suffering from heat stroke will not be able to think correctly. It's doubtful they could do a simple math problem, or tell you their address. These are good tests for both heat stroke, and interestingly enough, hyopthermia.

My old soccer coach used the following test: "Is Ronald Reagan the president of Afghanistan?". :eek:

Good job, OP. Seemingly small acts of kindness are a Good Thing(TM).

[Marylandnewbie]

Bike nut, good job! Its not doing the big things so much as it is doing all the little things that makes for a civilized community of riders. The very fact that it seemed like a little thing to you, points out how easy it is for all of us to offer a helping hand to other cyclists, joggers, etc.

[KingTermite]

As I was riding today I came to the top of a hill and saw a cyclists sitting on a guard rail. I was eating on my bike and figured I would go over to talk to him. I asked him how it was going and he said, "Terrible." He also told me that he was dizzy and could not longer ride his bike. I told him to wait right there and I rode to a nearby fire station and got the firemen to help him. Even though I did not do a lot, I still felt good about myself.
Very good for you...the consquences can be deadly.

Here's an exmaple:
http://ogrehut.net/trails.php/TheFamily/120Sylvia

[Guest]

Good on you, Bike nut! It's great that you stopped for people. So many people do not even stop for cyclists when they are stopped on the side of the road. You probably saved his life.

Koffee

[Totoro]

I quite often see out of shape folks riding cheap bikes in the middle of a very hot day. I don't know if they think they are going to loose more weight by sweating it out in the hot summer days, but the better cyclists are all out before 8 AM on hot days. As for me, I prefer to get out before 6 AM when the air is still cool. It's also great to watch the sun rise.