First, what is a differential and why do I really need them. They are the gear assemblies connected between the driving wheels (or front and rear axle in case of 4WD or AWD) that permit the wheels to turn at different speeds. This is especially important when going around a corner since the inside wheels turn more slowly than the outside wheel and the front and rear wheels turn at different speeds. Have you ever tried driving on dry pavement with the center diff lock (CDL) engaged? This is almost impossible. Rear or front differential lockers are no different from the CDL when talking about turning and differentials and must have a way to dis-engage during cornering. There are basically two types of traction devices . Locking and limited slip.
I think the first question that comes to every ones mind is; do I need a traction device? My Land Rover is four-wheel drive and I have a center locking differential. Your Land Rover will do just great on most roads and trails with out rear or front traction devices. If you have a Rover with traction control you are better off than one with no locker or traction device. The Land Rover Traction control works in conjunction with the ABS brakes. When one wheel starts to spin, the ABS is applied in short rapid pulses to the spinning wheel. This forces some of the torque to be transferred to the wheel that is not spinning providing forward movement to the vehicle.
But, for those of us that do not have traction control there is a distinct advantage to having at least a rear traction device of sorts. Think of it this way, with ân open front and rear differentials, even with the CDL engaged in certain conditions such as when you get cross axled (one front and one back wheels loose traction), you basically have a two wheel drive vehicle with the power going to the two wheels with least resistance. The one front wheel and one rear wheel spinning receive the power allowing you to loose traction and possibly being stuck. Remember, power (torque) flows to the wheel with least resistance.By adding a traction device to the rear differential in the same situation you have a three wheel drive truck. Torque is then transferred to both back wheels. The rear wheel that has resistance (traction) now can propel the truck. This does not how ever help the front wheel with resistance, as power is still flowing to the wheel of least resistance. Adding a traction device to the front will give you four-wheel drive. This does not mean if one wheel looses traction, that wheel will help get you going. It just means that the wheel(s) with resistance will receive power helping the vehicle move forward.
There are many types and brands of traction devices for all types of vehicles. This includes Land Rovers. They range from the “Lincoln locker” (using a Lincoln welder to lock the spider gears (not recommended)) which we used in my stock car racing days, to locking differentials like the Detroit Locker®. Types like Detroit Locker® keep the wheels continually locked together when going straight. This provides torque to the left and right wheels while the wheels are rotating at the same speed. They unlock when one wheel turns faster than the applied torque such as turning. This is done with spring loaded drivers and meshing teeth that lock the axles together while the wheels are turning at the same speed. They unlock when one wheel spins faster than the opposite while turning.There is also the limited slip differential like the Detroit Truetrac® . They provide a controlled amount of resistance, using gears, rather than clutches (used in other makes). When one wheel looses traction and starts to spin, the other wheel (with traction) receives sufficient power to keep the vehicle moving. This is transparent to the driver. Then there are the types that require interaction from the driver to engage like the ARB Air Locker. These provide an open differential during normal driving and a locked differential when switched on.
ARB lockers are used by many Land Rover owners for off road, in the front and rear of their rigs. They how ever are more expensive and require adding wiring, switches and an air pump to actuate the locker. When additional traction is need, the driver engages a switch that routes air to the locking mechanism in the differential engaging the locking device. I chose the Detroit locker for the rear of my Discovery based on conversations with a lot of off roaders. I have to admit most were Jeep people, along with the Alan at North Texas Rovers in Dallas. It has worked well for me. An other choice used by members of the Texas Rovers has been the Truetrac in the front and rear. This has proven a successful combination also.I have been happy with my Detroit locker in the rear. It has made it possible for me to go through bumper deep mud (with A/T tires) and up steep rock ledges with little or no trouble. Places that normally proved difficult or impassable. See the article on Airstrip. Some things to remember when using a full time locked differential, they must dis-engage during cornering. The trick is not to keep power to the rear wheels. Making sharp corners on paved streets, such as in housing areas, if power is applied during cornering some time causes a loud metallic clunk sound as the unit dis-engages due to the rear wheels turning at different rates. On loose soil , with the window rolled down you may hear the in side tire scrub on the ground as there is not enough traction to allow the differential to dis-engage. These are arguments against the use of them on the paved road. These can be over come by re learning how you corner. Limited slip differentials like the TrueTrac do not have these quirks. But, in extreme off road situations they may hesitate engaging.
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 Fri 10 Sep 10
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Originally established in July of 1995 and re-organized in April 2000, Texas Rovers is a dedicated Club for Land Rover owners and enthusiasts in Texas and Arkansas. Currently there are chapters in Dallas-Ft. Worth, Austin, and San Antonio with many more active members all over the surrounding states. The Club is made up of singles, couples, and families who come together to enjoy the great Texas outdoors and to share their enjoyment of Land Rovers.
Beginners Guide to Off RoadingTexas Rovers Admin Your First Time: Driving off road is a fun and challenging experience. It's about being able to travel to places where the average person can't go - enjoying the beauty and majesty of nature, far away from the concrete jungle. Most off-roaders enjoy camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities and having an off road vehicle gives them the opportunity to go get away from the popular spots.Off Roading Can Result in Damage to your Vehicle! Avoiding damage comes with knowing your truck and it's capabilities, knowing your own capabilities as a driver, and not exceeding them. We, as a club, take care to avoid situations that can lead to vehicle damage, but there is no guarantee. At a very minimum, you can expect 'pinstriping,' which are the marks that trees and branches leave as you drive down a trail. The information listed here is to help you be better prepared for off road challenges, avoid potential harm to you and your vehicle, and to have a more enjoyable experience when going off road. Equipment Lists
Skills & Vehicle Capabilities
Equipment Check ListDGOHVBy Jim EdsonMust have gear As with life, unexpected events can prove traumatic while off-roading. The following items are usually required at organized off-road locations with good reason! They can help smooth bumps big and small!
This list is in no particular order. Options such as these are a personal choice, depending on who you are with and where you are going.
Negotiating TerrainDGOHV by Jim EdsonThe first rule is this: If you do not feel comfortable negotiating an obstacle then stop! If possible, get on the CB radio and tell the vehicle behind you to pass. Watch them traverse the obstacle and/or ask for a spot. Hill climbing tips: The two problems associated with steep slopes - namely gradient and grip - are usually reduced with a Land Rover. Land Rover products have the power and appropriate gearing to climb a continuous slope of nearly 45 degrees… if the grip is there! Here are some tips:
Tips on BreakingDGOHVTips on BreakingThink of hitting the brakes on dry pavement. When you brake, the front springs compress and the rear end raises. Now think of the consequences if you are going down hill or over a large obstacle. This bit of physics will increase the angle of descent and could cause your vehicle to tip over. Cadence Braking sounds difficult, but its not. As you feel a wheel start to spin, gently and purposely pump the brake pedal, WITH YOUR LEFT FOOT.Keep your right foot on the gas pedal. This takes a lot of practice. This slows the spinning wheel thus confusing the open differential into spreading power back to both wheels.Gently and systematically pump the beak pedal to the point where the break just engages.Use your left foot, keep your right foot over the accelerator in case a wheel locks up.If this happens take your foot off the break pedal and plant it firmly on the floor.Then gently "blip" the throttle to bring the speed of the wheels up to the speed of the vehicles momentum
By-Laws of the Texas Rovers ClubTexas Rovers Admin ARTICLE I - NAMEThe name of the club shall be: Texas Rovers Club and shall be referred to in these By-laws as the CLUB. ARTICLE II - PURPOSES 1. The main purposes for which the CLUB is formed are: (a) to foster and promote the interest of those individuals who find recreation and enjoyment in driving their Land Rover vehicles in legal and authorized Off-Road Areas in Texas and the United States; (b) to bring together Land Rover owners of this region for camaraderie in group activities, (c) to exchange information of special interest, (d) to develop off-road driving skills in a safe and legal manner, and (e) to act together toward the preservation of the wilderness character of our approved off-road areas by advancing public relations with governmental agencies and the public in general. 2. The CLUB is not formed for financial gain and no part of the assets or income of the CLUB will be distributed to or for the personal benefit of its Officers or members. ARTICLE III - BASIC POLICIES 1. The CLUB shall cooperate with other organizations to support the preservation and improvement of designated off-road vehicle areas. 2. The CLUB shall cooperate with other organizations and agencies concerned with designated off-road vehicle areas but before any commitment made by any person shall be binding upon the CLUB, such a commitment must be approved by a majority of the Club’s members. 3. The CLUB may sanction one or more regional Chapters, which shall consist of at least five (5) members in each region. The DFW Chapter is the founding chapter of the CLUB. The CLUB’s members shall approve additional regional chapters. The President, Treasurer, and Membership Secretary as elected CLUB officers shall provide CLUB leadership and central management of shared regional administrative functions, such as CLUB treasury, website hosting, etc. ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP & DUES 1. Any individual who subscribes to the purposes and basic policies of the CLUB may become a member of the CLUB subject to compliance with provisions of these By-laws. Membership in the CLUB shall be available to any Land Rover owner interested, without regard to race, color, creed, sex or national origin. Membership in the CLUB shall entitle each member to participate fully in all CLUB functions and activities. Persons residing in the same residence shall be entitled to a family membership and are also eligible to participate fully in all CLUB functions and activities. Each family membership shall be entitled to one vote. Members shall designate their regional Chapter affiliation at the time of their application. 2. The CLUB shall conduct enrollment of members at any time. Members understand and accept the fact that off-road driving exposes the member, the member's vehicle and any occupants in the member's vehicle to risk of injury or damage. Members understand that while there is no legal duty for the member to provide assistance to another member, any such assistance rendered is done so without fear of legal repercussions or ramifications and will be provided to the member's best ability. Members understand and accept the fact that as a member, they waive for themselves and for anyone else claiming through themselves, their right to sue Texas Rovers Club, its Officers, trip coordinators, leaders, or any fellow members for any injuries to their person, to other occupants of the member's vehicle or damage to the member's vehicle which may occur during, in preparation for, or in transit to a CLUB outing or Chapter meeting. 3. Only members in good standing of the CLUB shall be eligible to participate in its business meetings, or to serve in any of its elective or appointive positions. 4. Members may bring guests to CLUB events for the primary purpose of learning more about the CLUB and consider if they want to join. Guest status is not to be considered as a way to attend many CLUB events without becoming a member. 5. Membership dues shall be set annually by the CLUB officers with approval by a majority vote of members present. Membership dues shall be due and payable on or before the anniversary month of membership. Membership dues shall be initially set at $40.00 for individual or family memberships. Only the membership family head shall be considered a member of any subsequent club memberships as a result of membership in the CLUB and only one copy of any email or CLUB communication shall be sent to each family membership. 6. Membership dues shall be held in the CLUB treasury and shall be allocated primarily to management of the shared regional administrative functions by the CLUB Treasurer, and secondarily to each member's designated regional Chapter functions and activities, in a manner determined by the CLUB’s Officers. ARTICLE V - OFFICERS AND THEIR ELECTION 1. The CLUB Officers to be elected shall be: President, Treasurer and Membership Secretary. Each regional Chapter shall elect a Vice-president and an Events Coordinator. If the need arises for any other officer, any member may make the suggestion to be voted upon by the members present and confirmed by the Club Officers. 2. A CLUB Website Steering Committee shall be formed comprised of the President, Treasurer, and each regional chapter Vice-president. 3. The purpose of the Website Steering Committee shall be to decide and act on website issues that are in the best interest of the CLUB and serve to promote the CLUB as such. The Website Steering Committee shall elect a Website Administrator and Website Chief Editor. 4. Nomination and election of the CLUB and Chapter Officers shall take place at the May Chapter meetings of each calendar year. 5. All officers are expected to serve for an entire year. Any officer of the CLUB absent without good reason from two regularly scheduled meetings during his/her term of office shall be subject to a vote of impeachment and removal from office by the general membership at the first meeting following the absences. The Website officers shall be subject to impeachment, removal from office, and forfeiture of relevant passwords, etc. by the Website Steering Committee if he/she is deemed technically incapable of fulfilling the requirements or is not serving to promote the best interest of the CLUB. 6. A vacancy occurring in any office shall be filled by election at the first meeting after the vacancy occurs. ARTICLE VI - DUTIES OF OFFICERS 1. The President shall provide CLUB leadership and central management of shared regional administrative functions, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed in these By-laws or assigned to him/her by the CLUB in order that the purposes of the CLUB may be promoted. 2. The CLUB Treasurer shall keep a full and accurate account of the receipts and expenditures of the CLUB, and shall make disbursements in accordance with the approval of the general membership and CLUB Officers. The Treasurer shall make available a financial statement for every Chapter meeting of the CLUB and at other times when requested by the general membership. 3. The Membership Secretary shall promote CLUB membership and keep current and accurate information on all CLUB members. He/she shall perform other duties as may be delegated. He/she may on behalf of the CLUB Treasurer collect dues and membership paperwork from members at Chapter meetings and keep appropriate records. 4. The Vice-president of each Chapter shall preside at all Chapter meetings of the CLUB at which he/she may be present, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed in these By-laws or assigned to him/her by the CLUB Officers in order that the purposes of the CLUB may be promoted. 5. The Event Coordinator of each regional Chapter shall be responsible for planning the logistics of his/her Chapter meetings and events. He/she shall record the minutes of all meetings of his/her Chapter. He/she shall act as aide to the Chapter Vice-president and shall perform the duties of the Chapter Vice-president in the absence or disability of the officer to act. He/she may on behalf of the CLUB Treasurer collect dues and membership paperwork from members at Chapter meetings and keep appropriate records. 6. The Website Administrator shall be responsible for technical maintenance of the CLUB’s website (www.texasrovers.org). He/she shall update the site in a timely manner as directed by the Website Steering Committee. He/She shall maintain the site with up to date security provisions to protect from malicious activity as directed by the Website Steering Committee. 7. The Website Chief Editor shall be responsible for keeping the website updated with current club content (i.e. articles, calendar events, pictures, etc.). He/she shall also monitor website discussion forums routinely for content. Any forum content judged to be in poor taste (such as that containing offensive language, sexual connotations, and sexually expressive photographs) shall be immediately removed and reported to the Website Steering Committee. He/she shall take website input requests from the Website Steering Committee. ARTICLE VII - MEETINGS 1. The regular CLUB meetings shall be held on every 3rd or 4th Tuesday of each month as designated by the CLUB’s Officers. Each regional Chapter may select a monthly meeting time and place most convenient for their members. The time and place of the meetings will be announced at least 10 days prior to each meeting. 2. The Club’s Annual Chapter General Meetings shall be held in May. 3. Five (5) members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business in meetings of the CLUB. If a regional Chapter has less than fifteen members, then 1/3rd of its Chapter members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business in meetings of the Chapter. 4. All club communications will be done by use of the CLUB website www.texasrovers.org. It is the member's responsibility to stay current on club business and activities though this website. 5. It is the member's responsibility to keep their contact information current with the club's membership coordinator. ARTICLE VIII - SEAL The seal/logo of the CLUB shall be as shown in the following impression:  ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS These By-laws may be amended, repealed, or altered in whole or in part by a 2/3 vote of the general membership present at any regular meeting of the Club’s Chapters, provided notice of the section (s) to be amended along with a verbatim copy of the change to be considered, is published on the web site and announced at least 10 days prior to voting. Christopher Pullen. President - Revised and Approved by the Club Officers, 10 July 2010
Got Mud?Texas Rovers Admin By Ross MabeyThere are basically two types of mud, vertically weak and horizontally weak. "Walk softly and carry a big stick". Before you attempt to cross a mud field that you don't know, it is best to stop your vehicle, find a long, strong stick or limb and walk across it prodding as you go. This way you'll know which type of mud you're dealing with and how to deal with it. Vertically weak mud is basically bottomless goo, mud with no readily available firm bottom and the most treacherous. Flotation and momentum are the keys to getting through this type of mud. Flotation tires (wide open lug tires) are best here in conjunction with momentum the aim being to keep the vehicle on top. Lowering your tire pressures can help by giving you a larger "foot print" on the ground. While trying to cross deep mud, if you get bogged down and stop, do not keep spinning your wheels for you will only dig yourself in deeper complicating recovery. Put the vehicle in reverse and ease into the throttle to see if you can back out the way you came in, but if you don't move pretty quickly, again stop digging and get help. In vertically challenged mud, it is best to avoid following someone else's ruts, better to make your own if possible. Horizontally weak mud is when there is a thin (or relatively thin) layer of goo on top of a firm bottom. In this case it is better to follow existing ruts, assuming of course that your differentials will clear ground, for they have already cleared the way to the firm ground for you. Normal tire pressures and even narrower tires with an aggressive lug tread can be helpful because you want to cut through the top slick layer to get to the hard bottom. This is one situation where it may be necessary and appropriate to apply some aggressive wheel spin just to dig to terra firma and gain the traction you need. When crossing what appears to be a dry river or lake bed, again you should get out and walk prodding as you go, jumping up and down can give you a good idea as to how thick the crust is and how liquid it is underneath. Many times the ground will appear to be dry and hard, but under the thin dry crust may be a swamp of bottomless goo. Again, don't follow existing ruts, use lower tire pressures, maintain steady momentum being careful to avoid sudden throttle and brakes stabs and quick maneuvers that may break the hard crust. Once again, if you do break through the crust and stick, avoid excessive wheel spin so you won't dig yourself in deeper. The same rules apply when fording water, you had better get out and check the depth and the bottom before you dive in. When fording, use moderately slow speed. The aim is to set up a small bow wave in front of the vehicle that will help keep water out of the engine compartment.
Spotting and What It MeansTexas Rovers AdminWith thanks to the late Ross Mabey A spotter is a person outside the vehicle whose job it is to guide a driver and the vehicle through difficult obstacles to prevent possible harm to its occument and to also prevent damage to the vehicle. The spotter serves as an extra set of eyes. Even with a spotter, the driver is ultimately reponsible for the safety of the vehicle and it's passengers. Spotters are not certified and serve only as a guide. When you approach a difficult part of the trail, it is best to get out of the vehicle and walk the trail so that you have a good idea of what the challenges will be as you drive down it. You will also understand your spotters instructions better. If at some point you doubt your spotters instructions or don't understand, take the time to talk to the spotter or to get out of the truck (when safe!) and see what is going on. As the driver, remember to follow the spotter instructions with reactions that are slow, smooth and gradual. Never react with extreme or rapid movements unless your spotter indicates that they are necessary. If you have several people spotting you, choose one you are more comfortable with and make it clear that you are following his or her directions. Hand Signals It is the Driver's responsibilities to keep his eyes on the spotter at all times and not try to second guess. However, it is OK if at any time you have a doubt, and it is safe to do so, you may stop your vehicle and get out to look at what the Spotter wants you to do, until the Driver and Spotter establish a trusting relationship. Move Forward: To signal for the vehicle to move forward, the Spotter will slowly and repeatedly curl their hands toward him/herself and the Driver should respond by slowly and smoothly pulling forward. The Spotter may curl their arms more rapidly or aggressively indicating that he wants the Driver to move faster and the Driver should respond by smoothly increasing speed. Some obstacles may require more speed or momentum to clear them, at which time it may be wise for the Spotter to stop the Driver and approach the stationary vehicle in order to verbally communicate what he wishes the Driver to do. The Spotter will wave the Driver on through once the obstacle has been cleared. Forward Very Slowly: Sometimes you will have a tire at or near the edge of a ledge and you want it to drop off slowly to prevent bounce and possible body or bumper contact with the ground. Your Spotter will slowly pump his hands up and down with hands held open and flat in a horizontal or near horizontal position. Steer Left/Right: When your Spotter wants you to turn your steering wheel, either left or right, they will simply point to the left or right, whichever direction they want you to turn. Driver needs to respond by turning the wheels in the indicated direction, slowly and gradually (DO NOT OVERSTEER), until the Spotter stops pointing that direction. If the Spotter needs the Driver to steer more aggressively, pointing should become more emphatic by employing a pumping motion. Once the Spotter stops pointing and indicates the forward signal, the Driver (THIS IS IMPORTANT and probably the hardest concept of spotting to grasp) should stop turning the steering wheel and instead hold it in that position until the Spotter indicates to turn it again in either direction. In other words, when the Spotter wants the Driver to steer back straight or sharper, he must signal that wish to the Driver. Steer Straight: If the Driver has responded properly to a turn signal, then the Spotter will simply point for the Driver to steer their vehicle in the direction necessary to regain a straight steering direction. The Spotter may also hold hands flat; open in a vertical position parallel to each other to indicate that he wants the Driver to keep his steering wheels straight forward. Stop: This one is very simple, the Spotter will make closed fists with their hands and the Driver should immediately bring the vehicle to a complete stop and hold there until the Spotter signals a different action.
Responsible Off RoadingTexas Rovers Admin By Jim EdsonDriving On the Trail
Pre-Trek Preparation, Safety Awareness, and Personal Check ListTexas Rovers Admin By Chris von CzoernigThis is a list I originally prepared for my own personal use before my first extended wheeling trip out West, of general equipment, maintenance, and personal guidelines that a vehicle and personnel should consider depending on the adventure they are about to embark on. It was compiled from a variety of websites and resources here and there, into one, easily accessible document that I could call up for reference. The majority of credit for the format and information needs to be given to the old Land Rover North America website and the old Border-to-Border Expedition Society website that had expanded the list for one of their earlier expeditions. For some reason, both sites no longer have the lists published on the new versions of their respective sites. I thought that it was a great resource that should not be lost and luckily had saved copies from each site before they disappeared. I hope that each site will eventually put them back up. Disclaimer: This document is offered only as an informal, personal guideline that I found useful and wanted to share with others only as a helpful reference. Information contained here carries no guarantee on its equipment or medical accuracy and use of this list other than its intended purpose of an informal reference, is solely at your own risk. BASIC EQUIPMENT LIST Recovery Equipment
Vehicle - First Aid Kit Sample guideline for what a vehicle may want to carry as the contents of a First Aid Kit. Most everything listed here can be found at your local Rite-Aid or similar large drugstore. For a bit more money, there is a large variety of pre-packaged EMT field kits you can buy from the web. Your medical supplies should be put into a small box or soft bag, preferably air tight, and stored in an easy/rapid accessible place in the truck.
Pre-Trek Vehicle Preparation Items that should be checked and replaced if needed, before trips. If you do not perform your own work, share this checklist with your Land Rover Technician/Vehicle Mechanic that will perform these services before heading off. Preparation and Maintenance Checklist Engine - Full tune-up that includes
During the hot temperatures and humidity that you might experience, excessive heat can subject your body to a variety of problems ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening heat stroke. You need to protect yourself with some common sense approaches but if heat stress strikes, be alert to the signs and act swiftly to cool down. General Care for Heat Emergencies falls into three general categories: (1) Cool the body (2) Administer fluids to the conscious patient (3) Minimize shock TYPES OF HEAT STRESS EMERGENCIES Heat Cramps and Exhaustion Heat cramps usually involve the voluntary muscles and present pain and spasms and "cramping" caused by excessive exercise. They are often the first sign of trouble!! They often involve abdominal or leg muscles. It is generally believed that loss of water and salt from heavy perspiring causes cramps. With rest and re-hydration, recovery is not difficult.Heat exhaustion is less dangerous than heat stroke but without treatment it can progress rapidly into a life-threatening condition. It can occur during strenuous exercise or excessive activity in a warm, humid place where body fluids are lost rapidly through heavy perspiration. This fluid loss results in a decrease of blood flow to the vital organs, resulting in a form of shock that without intervention can deteriorate rapidly. With heat exhaustion, perspiration doesn't evaporate effectively resulting in the body not being cooled properly. It must be attended to quickly before the core body temperature begins to rise. Signs & Signals include Cool "clammy" to the touch, moist, pale, or flushed skin; heavy perspiring; headache, nausea or vomiting; dizziness or confusion, general weakness, lowered blood pressure, increased pulse and breathing rates, signs of fainting, tiredness and exhaustion. Body temperatures might still be near normal. If sitting, be alert that the victim may faint or become "light-headed" upon getting up. Treatment for Heat Cramps/Exhaustion Move the person to a cooler place and provide rest in a comfortable position. Give a small amount of cool water every 15 minutes only if the patient is conscious. Do not let the individual drink too rapidly. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths such as towels or sheets or cold packs (wrapped in a towel not directly against bare skin) to the back of the neck, armpits and groin area. Monitor the patient. Heat Stroke Also known as sunstroke, is life threatening. The individual's temperature control system, which produces perspiration to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise high enough that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly. Heat stroke results from the failure of the heat regulatory system in the body. The failure of sweating leads to the loss of evaporative cooling of the skin and an uncontrolled rapid rising of the body temperature. Signs & Signals Include Hot dry skin of red, spotted, or bluish or purplish coloration; changes in level of consciousness; rapid, weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing; rising, high body temperature; brain disorders possibly consisting of mental confusion, delirium; fainting, convulsions, and coma.Unless promptly and properly treated, heat stroke may be fatal. The victim may suffer permanent brain injury and complications such as kidney, liver, and blood circulation disorders. Survival and complete recovery after undergoing an initially high body temperature is possible if prompt and effective cooling is provided. The victim must be moved to a cool area; further, soaking of the victim’s clothing with cold water and fanning will cool the body. In milder cases of heat disorders, sweating may still be evident in spite of high body temperature. Treatment for Heat Stroke Heat stroke is life threatening so help is needed fast. This person will need to be transported to a medical facility as rapidly as possible. Move the person to a cool place and quickly cool the body. Wrap wet sheets or towels around the body. If you have ice or cold packs place them around the neck, armpits, wrists, and groin areas. (Do not use rubbing alcohol because it closes the skin's pores and prevents heat loss.) Look for signs of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down. Water-Deficiency Heat Exhaustion Some individual’s feel that by restricting their water intake in hot jobs they reduce the amount of sweat dripping from their faces and into their eyes. They should be convinced that they are trading safety for comfort and that a voluntary restriction of their water intake may lead to water-deficiency heat exhaustion and even heat stroke. The risk of dehydration is greater if the major part of the daily meals is dry or dehydrated. The victim of water deficiency and heat exhaustion is thirsty. In mild cases, rest in a cool area and the taking of water results in a speedy recovery. Common Sense Approaches To Deal with Heat = Prevention. Know your body. If your environment is hot & you are experiencing any of the above symptoms seek treatment immediately. Number One Treatment - Drink plenty of fluids in advance of thirst
Cold Weather Emergencies Exposure to Cold Environment This is a frequent condition that occurs when individuals suffer from low temperatures. It may be due to being caught out in inclement weather; becoming exposed to cold water and unable to change out of wet clothes; exposed to cold winds (wind chill), or simply by being elderly with a body not being able to generate as much heat. It can happen even when the temperature is relatively warm – 50 F. It does not take much to cool the body and a few degrees below 98.6 is heading for trouble. What To Look For – Signs and Symptoms
Care and Treatment
HYPOTHERMIA Hypothermia is a potentially life threatening condition that especially affects the very young and elderly very quickly. The body's core temperature is lowered to the extent that the brain function is impaired and the heart's activity is about to be compromised. Urgent intervention is required and you must seek medical assistance immediately. What To Look For - Signs and Symptoms
Care and Treatment
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