What to Do When Dehydration Becomes an Emergency

When someone has fallen badly behind on fluids, plain water may not be enough to correct the problem quickly.

An oral rehydration solution can help because it combines water with specific amounts of salt and sugar. That mixture helps the intestines absorb fluid more efficiently than water alone.

The World Health Organization has long used oral rehydration therapy to treat serious dehydration, especially when fluid loss is caused by illness, heat, or heavy sweating.

Commercial oral rehydration packets are the safest and most reliable option because they contain carefully measured ingredients. Ready-to-drink products are also available at many pharmacies and grocery stores.

When those products are unavailable, a basic homemade solution can be prepared by mixing about 6 level teaspoons of sugar and 1/2 level teaspoon of salt into 1 liter of clean water.

The measurements matter. Too much salt can be dangerous, especially for children or people with certain health conditions.

The mixture should taste mildly sweet and salty, not strongly salty. It should not be used as a substitute for medical care when symptoms are severe.

A person who is awake, alert, and able to swallow can take small, frequent sips. Drinking too quickly may cause nausea or vomiting.

Warning signs of serious dehydration can include extreme thirst, dizziness, weakness, very dark urine, little or no urination, rapid heartbeat, dry mouth, or unusual tiredness.

Confusion, slurred speech, fainting, seizures, or loss of consciousness may signal heat stroke or another medical emergency.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, suspected heat stroke requires an immediate call to 911. A drink alone will not correct the condition.

While waiting for emergency responders, move the person into shade or an air-conditioned area. Remove excess clothing and begin cooling the body with cold water, wet towels, ice packs, or fans.

Place ice packs around the neck, armpits, and groin when possible, where large blood vessels are close to the skin.

Do not force fluids into someone who is confused, unconscious, vomiting repeatedly, or unable to swallow safely.

Stay with the person until help arrives and continue cooling efforts.

The safest approach is to act before dehydration becomes severe. Drink regularly during heat exposure, take breaks, and replace electrolytes during prolonged, heavy sweating.

But once confusion, fainting, or other neurological symptoms appear, the situation has moved beyond ordinary thirst.

That is the time to call 911 and begin cooling immediately.