Urban Ops Tactical

Hey I'm not sure where maybe this should post--so I figured with games would be appropriate.
I know I joke around with everyone who is North of the Mason Dixon line about the cold weather--but we all know the heat this time of year can pretty much kick everyones butt, and yes it gets hot as hell up north.
I ref'd a game today at a new field, and had to pick up a player from the ground who was suffering from dehydration. He in the midst of dry heaves was able to slowly get some water down while sitting under a sprinkler. I just wanted to pass along a message to everyone to watch out for signs of heat exhaustion/stroke/ and dehydration in yourselves and other players. We are all in this for the fun of the sport and we are all in this together. Drink plenty of water and lose the sodas--that does it for my version of a public service announcement.

Im right behind you Angel. Its no joke guys, i got back from NJ NAM a little earlier than expected but at least 15 people had to be taken off the field because of dehydration in the time that i was there. The temp hit atleast 95 - 98 while we played. Many of them dropped on the field while they were playing. Drink plenty of water and keep yourself cool. No Paintball game is worth risking your health for no matter how bad you want to win.

Your a better player if you can pull yourself from the game because of the heat and how you feel than if you stay in, and try to tough it out. Remember your team wont hate you for having to take a break because your not feeling well, and everyone knows how bad the heat can get.

Another thing to remind people about , hydration begins three days before hand. So make sure you start a couple days before the game.

Well, beyond hydration, you have to remember that no matter how hydrated you are, you are still susceptible to heat stroke/heat exhaustion... Being dehydrated will bring that on much more quickly but the only way to keep it at bay through a hot day of paintball is to be smart and take regular breaks to cool off in the shade and relax. Going into your car in the AC may be tempting, but it will only dehydrate you more because the reason they call it "air conditioning" and not "air cooling" is because not only does AC cool the air, it also removes moisture from it, and then the drier air will subsequently start to sap moisture from your skin as well.