EXTREME HEAT GUIDELINES
With record setting heat temperatures across Alberta all clubs must take precautions to ensure all members are safe. It is the responsibility of the club executive, coaches, and ride leaders to monitor local temperatures and decide exactly which precautions must be taken- including the cancelling of any race or ride.
The guidelines are based on the humidex, not the thermometer temperature. You can view the humidex at https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca where it is shown as the “feels like” temperature. Please use this number in your considerations.
Extreme Heat Activity Chart
|
HUMIDEX VALUE |
DISCOMFORT AT REST |
RISK OF OVERHEATING DURING EXCERCISE |
ACTIVTY MODIFICATION |
|
Below 24C |
None |
Low |
N/A |
|
25C to 29C |
None |
Low to Moderate |
Consider shorter rides, especially for young riders |
|
30C to 34C |
Some |
Moderate- Athletes should be monitored |
Shorter rides, longer breaks between motos, water breaks |
|
35C to 39C |
High |
High- Athletes should be monitored closely |
Consider cancelling racing. Practises, or easy rides only. Make sure there are shaded areas for breaks. Have plenty of water on hand |
|
40+C |
EXTREME |
EXTREME |
Activity Cancelled |
Preventative Measures
Where possible activities should be scheduled for cooler times of the day.
Ensure that everyone participating has enough water/hydration. Recognize that even well-hydrated athletes can be affected by heat illness.
Plan for plenty of breaks and keep riders shorter
Use sunscreen and remember to reapply throughout the activity.
Other factors to consider in determining risk include, but are not limited to:
Not being acclimatized Fitness Level
Hypo hydration Hyper hydration
Use of medications or supplements Certain medical conditions (cardiac, lung)
Early warning signs to consider include but are not limited to:
Flushed face Hyperventilation or shortness of breath
Headache Dizziness
Tingling arms Goose Bumps
Chilliness Poor coordination
Confusing, agitation, uncooperativeness
Potential Risks of Extreme Heat Exposure
- Heat Cramps- these are the mildest form of heat trauma and are commonly related to low body sodium and chloride levels.
Symptoms include:
-
-
- Weakness
- muscle cramps
- collapse with low blood pressure
-
Treatment:
-
-
- Rest briefly and cool down
- Drink clear juice or an electrolyte-containing sports drink
- Practice gentle, range-of-motion stretching and gentle massage of the affected muscle group
- Don't resume strenuous activity for several hours or longer after heat cramps go away
- See a doctor if cramps don't go away within one hour or so
-
- Heat Exhaustion- a more severe form of heat trauma.
Symptoms include:
-
-
- Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat
- Heavy sweating
- Faintness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Weak, rapid pulse
- Low blood pressure upon standing
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Headache
-
Treatment includes:
-
-
- Stop all activity and rest
- Move to a cooler place
- Drink cool water or sports drinks
-
Contact your doctor if your signs or symptoms worsen or if they don't improve within one hour. If you are with someone showing signs of heat exhaustion, seek immediate medical attention if he or she becomes confused or agitated, loses consciousness, or is unable to drink. You will need immediate cooling and urgent medical attention if your core body temperature (measured by a rectal thermometer) reaches (40 C) or higher.
- Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you are caring for someone, such as a running partner, who has a high body temperature and is either unconscious or confused.
While waiting for help - cool the person right away by:
-
-
- moving them to a cool place, if you can.
- applying cold water to large areas of the skin or clothing; and
- fanning the person as much as possible.
-