Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke?

What should you do when you have heat exhaustion or heat stroke in hot summer? We discuss this month the differences between the two and the ways to prevent it. We are also recommending three routes around the reservoirs for everyone to enjoy hiking in summer.

【Myths of Mountains】Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke?

In our previous newsletters, we discussed how to prepare for a summer hike. Checking the 9-day Weather Forecast and Current Weather from the Hong Kong Observatory (“HKO”) is a must before the hike. Stay alert to HKO’s Special Weather Tips or Very Hot Weather Warning and be aware of the physical condition of companions during the hike. Children, the elderly, those who are overweight or people with chronic illnesses, such as high blood pressure are more susceptible to heatstroke. Be well-equipped to beat the heat and act according to your capacity for hiking and outdoor activities in the sun.

MyObservatory app – Special Weather Tips

How to Recognize Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke?

The danger of hiking in hot weather is often being underestimated. Having outdoor activities under the Very Hot Weather Warning is more likely to result in excessive sweating, exhaustion, sunburn or even suffer from heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Heatstroke can be fatal, do not hesitate to call the emergency services when necessary. The symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke are different, look for the following signs: 

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion:

  • Generalized weakness

  • Pallor, cold clammy skin

  • Weak rapid pulse and breathing

  • Dizziness, nausea, vomiting

  • Body temperature ≤ 40°C

 

Heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke without proper treatment in time. The person suffering from heat exhaustion should drink more water or sports drinks to replenish electrolyte if s/he is conscious. Heatstroke may occur if the body continuously fails to regulate its temperature and the body temperature rises above 40°C.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke: 

  • Headache, dizziness, tiredness

  • Red, hot and dry skin

  • Full rapid pulse

  • Body temperature > 40°C

  • Unconsciousness or even coma

Heatstroke can damage vital organs and even fatal; therefore, prompt treatments are required. Spray the sufferer with mist water and apply ice packs on the armpits and groin to facilitate heat dissipation. Hospitalize the sufferer if the situation continues.  

 

Prevention of Heat Stroke

Information Services Department, HKSARG – 5 Ways to Prevent Heat Stroke

  • Wear light-colored loose and breathable clothes to reduce heat absorption

  • Equip yourself with a towel, fan and hat Drink at least half a liter of water every hour, consider bringing iced water to cool down yourself along the hike. 

  • Avoid drinks containing caffeine or alcohol.

​

TrailWatch recommends the following gentle routes around the reservoirs for everyone to enjoy hiking in summer. 

  1. Aberdeen Upper & Lower Reservoir (Detailed Route)
    The Aberdeen Reservoir is known as the “Backyard of Hong Kong Island”. With lots of shades along the path, the upper and lower reservoir trail is an easy and pleasurable hike. 

  2. Hok Tau Reservoir Family Walk (Detailed Route)
    Hok Tau Reservoir is situated at  Pat Sin Leng Country Park. The gentle one-hour route provides hikers with a stunning view of the forest and reservoir. 

  3. Tai Tam Upper Reservoir (Detailed Route)
    There are various declared monuments will along the path from Mount Park Road to Tai Tam Country Park. Visitors can learn about the history of waterworks while enjoying the view of the reservoir.