Feeling super thirsty, weak, or dizzy? You could be dehydrated! If you act fast and know what to do, you can feel better. Here’s how you can handle a dehydration emergency the right way.
What Should You Do In A Dehydration Emergency?
If you or someone else might be badly dehydrated, act right away. Here are the steps:
- Get the person to a cool, shady place or indoors.
- Give them small sips of water, not big gulps.
- If they feel sick, can’t drink, or pass out, get help fast. Call emergency services or 911.
Dehydration can turn serious quickly, and time matters. Don’t wait. Severe dehydration can be life-threatening.
What Is Dehydration and Why Is It Dangerous?
Our bodies are mostly water. Water helps our heart beat, our brains think, and our muscles move. If you lose too much water, your body stops working right. Dehydration happens when you lose more fluids than you take in.
Even mild dehydration can make you tired and confused. In kids and older people, dehydration is even more risky. Hospitals in the US see over 400,000 dehydration emergency visits every year. Many of these are kids and older adults.
Some dehydration cases need a hospital because the person might need fluids through an IV. Without treatment, dehydration can cause:
- Fainting
- Seizures
- Kidney failure
- Even death
It’s very important to spot and treat dehydration fast.
What Causes Dehydration?
Many things can cause dehydration. Some of the most common are:
- Hot weather: You sweat a lot and lose water.
- Hard exercise: Running or playing sports for a long time.
- Vomiting or diarrhea: Your body loses a lot of fluids.
- Fever: Your body uses more water when you’re sick.
- Not drinking enough: Sometimes, you just forget!
In 2022, during heat waves in Europe, thousands of people had to go to hospitals for dehydration emergency care. Many lives were saved just by knowing what to do in time.
Signs of Dehydration You Should Never Ignore
Both kids and adults can get dehydrated. Look for:
- Very dry mouth or cracked lips
- No tears when crying
- Not peeing, or very dark-yellow pee
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Very sleepy, tired, or confused
- Fast heartbeat
In babies, watch for sunken soft spots on the head or no wet diapers in 3 hours.
A study showed that more than 60% of athletes at youth sports games had mild to moderate dehydration. Most did not realize it! So, it can happen to anyone.
First Aid Steps for Dehydration Emergency
Here’s what to do the moment you notice serious dehydration:
1. Move To A Safe, Cool Place
Get the person out of the sun. Sit them down in the shade or inside. Take off extra clothes if they are too warm.
2. Slowly Give Fluids
Let them take small sips of water every two minutes. If you have special drinks with electrolytes (like sports drinks or Oral Rehydration Solution), those are even better.
Do NOT:
- Give them soda, coffee, or energy drinks.
- Let them gulp lots of water at once (it can cause more harm).
- Try to force fluids if they are vomiting or confused.
3. Check for Emergency Signs
If the person:
- Can’t drink
- Is passed out or very sleepy
- Is confused or acting strange
- Has a seizure
CALL 911 or get to the hospital right away.
When Should You Go To The Hospital?
Emergency rooms in the US and Europe report high numbers of severe dehydration every summer. You need emergency care if:
- Person is too weak to stand or walk
- Is not peeing at all
- Has sunken eyes or cries with no tears
- Has a very fast heartbeat
- Has dry, wrinkled skin
Kids and older adults are at higher risk. Each year, almost 200,000 kids under 5 are admitted for dehydration in the US alone. Many kids get IV fluids in the hospital because home care was not enough.
How Can You Prevent Dehydration in the Future?
- Drink extra fluids during exercise, hot days, or when sick.
- For every hour of sports, drink at least 1 cup of water.
- For kids: check their pee—it should be light yellow!
- In heat waves, keep checking on older family members.
In the 1995 Chicago heat wave, over 500 people died, many from dehydration. Most were older folks living alone. This shows it’s important to check on others, too.
Oral Rehydration Solutions: A Secret Weapon
Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is a mix of water, sugar, and salt. Doctors all over the world use ORS for dehydration emergency care. Studies show that giving ORS at home can save lives for both kids and adults.
You can buy ORS packets at any drugstore. If you don’t have one, make your own:
– 4 cups clean water
– 6 teaspoons sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix well and give small sips.
Conclusion: What To Do If Dehydration Strikes
Dehydration emergencies need quick action. Here’s what to do:
- Move the person to a cool, safe spot.
- Give small sips of water or ORS.
- Call for help if they can’t drink, pass out, or get worse.
Stay alert, watch for the signs, and act fast—you can save a life!
