Trans-Pecos

Understand

Recognize the Signs of Dehydration and Heat Stroke

Signs of Dehydration

thirst

less-frequent urination

dry skin

fatigue

light-headedness

dizziness

confusion

dry mouth and mucous membranes

increased heart rate and breathing

Signs of Heat Stroke

headache

dizziness

disorientation, agitation or confusion

sluggishness or fatigue

seizure

hot, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty

a high body temperature

loss of consciousness

rapid heart beat

hallucinations

Heat stroke must be treated immediately. Get the victim out of the sun, put cool water on their skin and fan their skin. Elevate their feet. Call 911 for an emergency or take them to the nearest hospital.

This region is part of the vast Chihuahuan Desert and contains some of the highest desert areas in the world, with all of Texas' highest peaks. The stark, rugged terrain is very sparsely populated, with Brewster County being home to only 6,000 people in an area bigger than Rhode Island, with two-thirds of them living in Alpine. El Paso is the only sizeable city in the region. The area has a rich historical legacy left by the Spanish settlers who came to the region in the mid-17th century, as well as that of early pioneers and traders who fought off native tribal attacks until the 1880's.