Symptoms of dehydration usually begin with thirst and progress to more alarming manifestations as the need for water becomes more dire. The initial signs and symptoms of mild dehydration in adults appear when the body has lost about 2% of it's total fluid. These mild dehydration symptoms are often (but not limited to):
• Thirst
• Loss of Appetite
• Dry Skin
• Skin Flushing
• Dark Colored Urine
• Dry Mouth
• fatigue or Weakness
• Chills
• Head Rushes
If the dehydration is allowed to continue unabated, when the total fluid loss reaches 5% the following effects of dehydration are normally experienced:
• Increased heart rate
• Increased respiration
• Decreased sweating
• Decreased urination
• Increased body temperature
• Extreme fatigue
• Muscle cramps
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Tingling of the limbs
When the body reaches 10% fluid loss emergency help is needed IMMEDIATELY! 10% fluid loss and above is often fatal! Symptoms of severe dehydration include:
• Muscle spasms
• Vomiting
• Racing pulse
• Shriveled skin
• Dim vision
• Painful urination
• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Chest and Abdominal pain
• unconsciousness
Being able to recognize this threat is the biggest preventative measure that we can take. Your safety is number 1.
Taking about safety, I came across a new item to the market, the UZI Tactical Pen. It comes in two variations: Glass Breaker or DNA Catcher.
Its construction is Aircraft Aluminum and uses a standard Parker and Fisher Space Refill. Let me tell you, it writes like a DREAM! I have been using it for the last 3 weeks and I don’t go anywhere without it. Due to the size of the pen (it is a little big) it can also double up as a Kubotan (the pen is slightly smaller but will fit in a uniform shirt pocket) as well if you know how to use one.
I would also urge you to check out BlueSheepDog.com: Police Training and Officer Safety Tips. They always have great information and tips for police officers and corrections.
