Planning Outdoor Adventures During Heat Waves with onX Backcountry and GOES Health
As outdoor enthusiasts, we cherish our time in nature, but planning an activity during a heatwave can be challenging. Fortunately, onX Backcountry and the GOES Health app offer powerful tools to help you plan your outdoor adventures while mitigating the risks associated with extreme heat. Here are some essential tips on how to use them to plan your next outing during a heat wave.
Potential Health Risks
Heat illness can happen to anyone in a hot environment, and the risk increases when you’re exerting in the hot temperatures. These conditions exist on a spectrum from mild to life-threatening. Some heat illnesses to familiarize yourself with are:
- Heat Exhaustion: When your body has gotten so hot it can’t properly keep cool.
- Heat Stroke: A medical emergency that can occur as the body’s temperature rises, eventually affecting the brain and injuring organ systems.
- Dehydration: When the body doesn’t have enough fluids. Fluids can be lost through sweating, breathing, or vomiting and diarrhea.
- Hyponatremia: Overhydration and low salt levels. Hyponatremia can be fatal, and its symptoms are easily confused with other heat illnesses. Pay attention to hydration levels, drink only when you are thirsty, and balance water with electrolytes or salty snacks.
- Sunburn: Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to sunburn in as little as 15 minutes.
- Heat Syncope: Sudden dizziness or passing out caused by heat.
- Exacerbation of Pre-existing Conditions: Individuals with heart disease, respiratory issues, or other chronic conditions may experience worsened symptoms due to the stress placed on the body by extreme heat.
The Perfect Adventure
Even during the hottest times of the year, you can still enjoy your time outside. Luckily, onX Backcountry and GOES Health have invaluable tools for you to use every step of the way:
Preparation
The best way to minimize your risk of heat illness is to be prepared!
Use GOES and onX Backcountry to check the weather forecast for your destination. onX Backcountry integrates real-time weather data, allowing you to see the predicted temperatures, wind conditions, and potential storm activity. The GOES Health app also continuously monitors weather and UVI (UV Index) conditions by the hour, and will automatically cache weather data at your last known location with cellular service. GOES also sends real-time alerts about excessive heat (and other climate-related conditions). These warnings can help you make informed decisions about when to start a hike, how long to stay outdoors, and when it might be best to seek shelter or reschedule your plans. By staying updated on the latest heat advisories, you can avoid the peak heat hours and reduce your risk of heat-related illnesses.
Education
Extreme heat can lead to several health issues, as listed above. GOES provides detailed information about all of these conditions (and more!) and what signs to look out for. Recognizing symptoms, understanding their severity, and knowing how to respond, is essential for taking proactive measures to protect yourself and your fellow adventurers.
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Make A Plan
Using both onX Backcountry and GOES, you can create a comprehensive safety plan for your outdoor adventures. Mark emergency cooling stations, water refill points, and shaded rest areas on your onX Backcountry map, and use GOES to stay updated on heat conditions, health risks, and how to respond. This integrated approach ensures you have all the necessary tools to stay safe during a heat wave.
Select Shaded and Water-Rich Trails
One of the best features of onX Backcountry is its detailed trail information, including terrain and vegetation coverage. Use Satellite Imagery to look for trails that offer plenty of shade, such as those that wind through forests or along rivers. Bodies of water, like lakes, streams, and waterfalls, not only provide opportunities for cooling off but also create a microclimate that is often cooler than the surrounding areas.
Identify and Mark Water Sources
Staying hydrated is paramount during a heat wave. Use onX Backcountry to identify and mark all available water sources along your route. This includes natural water bodies and known water refill stations. Always carry more water than you think you’ll need and plan frequent breaks to rehydrate.
Review Trail Difficulty and Elevation Profiles
Heat can significantly impact your physical exertion. Use onX Backcountry to review trail difficulty ratings and elevation profiles. Opt for less strenuous routes with moderate elevation gains to conserve energy and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. Gradual climbs and descents are preferable to steep, exposed sections that can increase your exposure to the sun.
Get Going!
You’re all set! But, even with the best planning, emergencies can still happen. Use onX Backcountry to mark the locations of nearby emergency services – such as ranger stations, medical facilities, and evacuation points.
In case you or someone in your group does experience heat-related symptoms, GOES offers step-by-step guidance on what to do. This includes instructions on how to cool down the body, rehydrate, and seek medical attention if necessary. The app provides practical advice, such as moving to a shaded or air-conditioned area, how to rehydrate safely, and applying cool, wet cloths to the skin.
A critical aspect of managing heat-related illnesses is early identification of symptoms and response. Having all of this information readily available can make a significant difference in case of an emergency.
There For You When You’re off The Grid
onX Backcountry and GOES Health are designed to help you, even when you are offline. onX Backcountry allows you to download detailed maps and trail information to your device before you head out, ensuring you have access to critical navigation tools without needing a cellular signal. This feature is particularly useful in remote areas where connectivity is unreliable, enabling you to stay on track and find your way.
GOES Health provides offline access to vital health resources and emergency protocols, helping you manage potential health risks while hiking. You can access first aid information, health tips, interactive guides, and step-by-step protocols without needing an internet connection. Together, these tools empower you to hike confidently and safely, knowing you have reliable navigation and health support at your fingertips, regardless of your location.
Combining the detailed mapping and planning capabilities of onX Backcountry with the real-time health alerts and expert guidance from GOES Health creates a powerful strategy for outdoor recreation during record-breaking heat waves. By staying informed about weather conditions, understanding health risks, and knowing how to respond to symptoms, you can enjoy your time in nature while prioritizing your safety. Remember to drink when you’re thirsty, seek shade, and always be prepared for changing conditions. Happy and safe adventuring!
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