Some programs are poorly designed and dangerous, wonder why more kids don't die. However, there are excellent programs out there that work well also. A parent should not be making the choice alone, they should be getting recommendations from a therapist and MD for what is best for your kid. Most deaths have been the result of staff not understanding the history and medical needs of the youth. You do not send a kid who was high on drugs the previous month on a forced hike in 90 degree heat, it is a death wish. Many programs are forcing kids to do things that they physically cannot do because of past drug problems. A good program will know the physical limitations of each kid and not push those limitations. Many kids should never be put into a wilderness program.
Certain
psychotropic medications may also effect that death wish by interfering with the body's ability to thermoregulate. Some kids' brains have literally been cooked to death inside their skulls for precisely this reason. And
noooooo recreational drugs were even necessary for this feat!
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Excerpt from:
Summertime and Our Meds Part 1: HeatstrokeHeatstroke is a medical emergency when the body's temperature-regulating system breaks down. The victim can't sweat and is unable to cool himself. Internal body temperature often rises as high as 108 degrees, which can cause irreversible brain damage and death. High temperatures injure endothelial* cells and damage almost every organ, including liver, kidneys, lungs, heart, and muscle.
A Few Facts About Heatstroke:• It's more likely when the outside temperature is very hot. A heat wave is defined by the National Weather Service as 3 or more consecutive days of temperatures at or above 90°F (32.2°C ).
• Hyperpyrexia (core temperature greater than 105°F [40.6°C ]) and central nervous system impairment causing delirium or coma are characteristic.
• The death rate for heatstroke ranges from 10% to 75%, depending on other variables, but averages 25%.
• Mentally ill patients are a high-risk group. Some may not have the cognitive abilities to protect themselves; others are taking psychotropic medications that affect heat regulation.
Heatstroke is more likely when taking the following drugs:- Antipsychotics - especially:
- Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
- Thioridazine (Mellaril)
- Mesoridazine (Serentil)
- Clozapine (Clozaril)
- Risperidone (Risperdal)
- Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- Quetiapine (Seroquel)
- Ziprasidone (Geodon)
- Antiparkinson drugs such as:
- Benztropine (Cogentin)
- Trihexyphenidyl (Artane)
- Procyclidine (Arpicolin, Kemadrin)
- Biperiden
- Antihistamines such as:
- diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, Sinutab Sinus Allergy)
- Antidepressants, especially tricyclics such as:
- Imipramine (Tofranil)
- Amitriptyline (Elavil)
- Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
- Doxepin (Sinequan)
- Desipramine (Norpramin)
- Protriptyline (Vivactil)
Do's:- Sleep in a cool place.
- Drink extra fluids. Water is best because the body absorbs cooler solutions fast. Other fluids are juice, Gatorade, caffeine-free soda.
- Increase salt intake if no physical problems.
- If you take lithium, use extra salt in addition to extra fluids.
- Spend time in cool places (shopping malls, movies, etc.)
- Wear loose, light-colored summer-weight clothing.
- Use fans or air conditioning.
- When feeling warm, use cool wet compresses or sit in a tub of cool water.
- Remain with another person.
Don'ts:- Engage in strenuous exercise.
- Drink alcoholic beverages, coffee and soda with caffeine (caffeine and alcohol increase water loss).
- Spend time outside in the sun.
- Sleep or sit in hot conditions.
Warning Signs:- Nausea, headache, feeling poorly, weakness
- Irritability, anxiety
- Fast pulse, rapid breathing, dizziness
- Hot OR dry skin, confusion, vomiting, diarrhea
* Endothelial cells line blood vessels, body cavities, organs and the inner layer of the cornea of the eye, among other things.
