How to Treat Dehydration in the Wilderness

Dehydration is easily treated if caught early. Monitor frequently for the earliest signs and symptoms.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Oral Rehydration Salts
• Evacuation Plan
• Water Filters
• Bottled Water
• Salt
• Sugars
• Salt
• First Aid Kits
• Evacuation Insurance
• Electrolyte Replacement Drinks
• Salt
• Salt

1. Prevent dehydration by drinking lots of water - more water than you think you need, and enough to make your urine clear.

2. Administer cool water in copious amounts if you suspect mild dehydration. Drink until urine is clear.

3. Administer diluted electrolyte replacement drinks or oral rehydration solution in addition to copious amounts of water if you suspect moderate dehydration. The dehydrated person should drink at least 1/4 liter of electrolyte replacement drink an hour, with as much water as possible.

4. Avoid caffeine, soft drinks and alcohol.

5. Avoid antihistamines and decongestants.

6. Evacuate immediately to a hospital if you suspect severe dehydration, monitoring vitals and treating for shock throughout the evacuation process. The severely dehydrated person is in a life-threatening situation and will require intravenous therapy in a hospital.

Tips & Warnings

• Oral rehydration packages can be purchased in most outdoor recreation stores. You can also improvise your own solution in the field by mixing 1 tsp. salt and 8 tsp. sugar to 1 liter of water.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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