When the topic of dehydration is brought up in conversation, most people are quick to recite the ‘rule of threes’ – The survival prioritisation guideline which states that on average, you can survive; 3 minutes without air, 3 hours without shelter (in a harsh environment), 3 days without water, and 3 weeks without food.

In our modern society, 3 days without access to clean drinking water seems impossible to comprehend, but reasonable enough to endure.

And that’s a problem.

That’s because most people are unaware of how rapidly the body deteriorates as it approaches that limit.

So what actually happens to your body during that window? As dehydration progresses into heat exhaustion, and ultimately heat stroke – you can expect to experience the following symptoms.

Dehydration

Initially, if you fail to restore lost fluids and electrolytes, your body will become dehydrated. Early warning signs include thirst, a change in the colour of your urine, from clear to darker yellow, and it will have a more pungent odour. As your condition deteriorates, these symptoms will worsen and may also include headache, cramps, and fatigue. Rehydration, along with rest and shelter will aid you in reversing these symptoms. However, if you continue to physically exert yourself, or allow further time to pass without water, your condition will rapidly decline as you enter a state of heat exhaustion.

Heat exhaustion

By this stage, your body is overheating, but will attempt to cool itself by inducing heavy sweating. You may also experience; nausea, dizziness, weakness, and a urine colour ranging from darker yellow to orange. These symptoms are likely to occur within 24 hours of running out of water, and your cramps may increase to the point of full-body immobilisation. Left untreated, heat exhaustion will quickly advance to heat stroke.

Heat stroke

This is a life-threatening emergency. By this point, your body’s cooling system has failed and your core temperature will rise above 40°C. Other signs of heat stroke include; confusion, hot / dry skin, collapse, seizures, and urine ranging from orange to red (containing blood due to kidney failure), or you may be unable to pass liquid. If you, or anyone else is exhibiting these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical assistance and induce rapid body cooling. Smaller sips of water, ideally with electrolytes are also encouraged. However, a large intake of water can be dangerous, as it may induce seizures and worsen patient confusion.

Preventing dehydration

There’s an old saying that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. That’s true when it comes dehydration, and any other ailment that a hunter may experience in the bush. Due to the physical isolation, help and medical assistance will be harder to come by. Failure to address symptoms early can prove fatal. It’s on you to ensure your own survivability.

With that in mind, the following simple measures can help prevent dehydration and stop early symptoms from escalating:

• Monitor your condition, and maintain fluid and electrolyte levels.
• Take rest breaks as required.
• Avoid hunting throughout the hottest part of the day. Game species are less active during this period anyway, so you’re unlikely to miss an opportunity.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks.