“Professor Popsicle” Gordon Giesbrecht and I spent nearly 13 long minutes submerged in
the frigid waters of a remote Alaskan lake to test my body’s reaction to hypothermia.
Region-Specific Hazards
Arid Regions, Deserts, and Canyons
By far the worst danger in the world’s warmer and drier regions is the sun,
but it’s not the only hazard. You will also find yourself exposed to poison-
ous creepy crawlies, thorn-covered plants and cacti, contaminated water,
and eye irritation from the constant dust and blowing sand.
Extreme heat can affect you in several serious ways. Heat cramps
and heat exhaustion are caused by a shortage of water and salt in the body.
Symptoms include headache, profuse sweating, weakness, dizziness, irri-
tability, cramps, and sometimes even mental confusion. If you experience
any of these symptoms, get into the shade to cool off. Sprinkling water on
your body may also help.
Heat stroke is more severe than heat exhaustion and begins to impede
the body’s natural ability to cool itself. If not treated quickly, it can lead to
death. Symptoms include hot, dry skin and a visible lack of sweat, as well as
headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and vomiting. If you suspect heat
stroke, get into the shade and pour water on your body if possible (even if
the water is contaminated). Consume water every few minutes, but only in
small quantities; large amounts will bring on vomiting.
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