This rugged outdoorsy Jerry Seinfeld lookalike at Joshua Tree National Park must be a student of the latest slang because he was very much ready to receive the compliment of being called a snack, but alas it was just someone asking for snack. Jim works a Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) Volunteer who performs support functions such as incident management, family liaison, and apparently comical public service announcements. If you’re interested in becoming a PSAR Volunteer at Joshua Tree a high level of physical fitness and comfort in desert environments as members routinely perform difficult physical labor in extreme conditions (LEARN MORE HERE).
JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK:
You think I’m a snack?
Food and water are each part of the 10 essentials. When spending time outdoors, including at Joshua Tree National Park, you should always pack more food than you think you are going to need. Be prepared for unplanned trip changes!
As for water, a good rule of thumb is to carry at least a gallon a day and drink to thirst. Remember, there is no water in the park, so be prepared before driving in!
Shoutout to our incredible Preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR) volunteers for starring in our 10 Essentials series and sharing safety information with our visitors!
What’s your favorite snack to bring on the trail?
Joshua Tree National Park Heat & Sun Safety Recommendations:
During the summer, expect high temperatures, intense sunlight, and low humidity. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration in the arid desert environment. Drink at least one gallon (4 liters) of water per day to replace loss from sweat.
Bring the water you will need to the park with you. Potable water is available at only a few locations near the edges of the park:
- the Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center in Twentynine Palms
- Park Headquarters
- the West Entrance station
- Black Rock Campground
- Cottonwood Campground
- Indian Cove Ranger Station
Don’t forget to eat! You need to take in calories to fuel your outdoor activities. On a hot day, eating salty snacks can help your body replace electrolytes that are lost through sweating.
For sun protection, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin. Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses.
Heat Exhaustion – The result of dehydration due to intense sweating. Hikers can lose one or two quarts (liters) of water per hour.
Symptoms: pale face, nausea, vomiting, cool and moist skin, headache, cramps.
Treatment: drink water with electrolytes, eat high-energy foods (with fats and sugars), rest in the shade for 30-45 minutes, and cool the body by getting wet.
Heat Stroke – A life-threatening emergency where the body’s heat regulating mechanisms become overwhelmed by a combination of internal heat production and environmental demands. Your body loses its ability to cool itself.
Symptoms: flushed face, dry skin, weak and rapid pulse, high core body temperature, confusion, poor judgment or inability to cope, unconsciousness, seizures.
Treatment: the heatstroke victim must be cooled immediately! Continuously pour water on the victim’s head and torso, fan to create an evaporative cooling effect. Immerse the victim in cold water if possible. Move the victim to shade and remove excess clothing. The victim needs evacuation to a hospital. Someone should go for help while attempts to cool the victim continue. Call 911.
Hyponatremia (water intoxication) – An illness that mimics the early symptoms of heat exhaustion. It is the result of low sodium in the blood caused by drinking too much water and losing too much salt through sweating.
Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, altered mental states, confusion, frequent urination. The victim may appear intoxicated. In extreme cases seizures may occur.
Treatment: have the victim eat salty foods, slowly drink sports drinks with electrolytes, and rest in the shade. If mental alertness decreases, seek immediate help!
