Below you will find an article written by Albert Burns. The title is: Oral Rehydration Fluid Formula and in light of the recent disaster in SA Asia, we can easily see how a little knowledge might save your life or the lives of those around you.
I am a firm believer in being as self sufficient as possible. I hope you will take the time to read this informative message, and make up a few packs to store with your supplies.
This article was posted by Albert on a forum we both belong to. Please pass it on. It would please us both.
Oral Rehydration Fluid Formula
By Albert Burns
In our previous column, we discussed the importance of pure water as a survival material. I am certain that every person reading this article will have seen multiple TV images of the effects of the tsunamis which took place in the Indian Ocean this past Sunday (12//26/04). The news media is already telling us that the death toll is over 23,000 people.
That figure of 23,000 lives lost is the DIRECT result of the tsunamis. I am certain that the INDIRECT result will mean MUCH GREATER loss of life. If history is any guide to the future, that is a safe prediction.
Several millions of people have been rendered homeless. As a consequence of the tsunamis, virtually EVERY source of water in the affected areas will have been contaminated by disease organisms, rotting cadavers, etc. As a result of such contamination and of lack of adequate water purification knowledge on the part of vast numbers of people, history tells us that there will be outbreaks of cholera, typhoid, dysentery, etc. By FAR the greatest threat of these diseases is the resultant diarrhea which rapidly dehydrates a person’s body and destroys the electrolyte balance of the blood leading to eventual death.
It will an object lesson in what can happen if OUR water gets contaminated in some fashion, whether with germs, amoeba, or viruses, or terrorist act. Whatever the cause, the result is extreme diarrhea which, if left untreated, can lead to disability and even death from extreme dehydration.
However, even in cases of such bad diseases as cholera, which have a very high probability of death IF UNTREATED, if you can keep the patient hydrated their chances for full recovery are very, very good. The maintenance of such hydration is especially important in the case of children and infants.
We have discussed the importance of a source of pure water before. I can testify, from personal experience, that the results of diarrhea can rapidly weaken you through the loss of water from the body and also from the loss of essential salts.
If this happens in a hospital or if a victim can be gotten to a hospital, the standard treatment is to replace the lost electrolytes and water through the use of an intravenous “drip.” However, when such facilities are unavailable because of lack of access or because of gross overloading of existing facilities because of some catastrophe, another method of rehydrating patients becomes of EXTREME importance. Fortunately, the answer is not only EASY, but also very INEXPENSIVE. Several materials may be used.
The first expedient which comes to mind is to buy several bottles of Pedialyte which is an electrolyte solution sold commercially, without prescription, for the treatment of diarrhea in infants. In an emergency, the supply of this liquid will disappear overnight.
A second possible solution (no pun intended) would be to buy Gatorade or some similar drink made for the purpose of rehydrating athletes who have been exercising strenuously. Same general content for the same intended purpose. Same comment about availability.
However, there is an even easier, more readily available and cheaper rehydration fluid which can be prepared right at home. I downloaded a formula for an “Oral Rehydration Fluid Formula” from the Internet several years ago. I have been able to relocate that formula.
The formula had been posted to the Internet by a Dr. Steven J. Greenwald specifically to help people who were being threatened with the results of extreme diarrhea. Apparently, this same formula has been used with extremely good results for a number of years in third world countries where medical assistance is sketchy or totally unavailable.
The formula is not only very easy to prepare, but it is so simple that it can be memorized in a matter of minutes.
ORAL REHYDRATION FLUID FORMULA
1/4 teaspoon Salt (common table salt - sodium chloride)
1/4 teaspoon Salt Substitute or “Lite Salt” (potassium chloride)
1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
2 ½ tablespoons Sugar
Combine these ingredients and dissolve them in 1000 ml (1 liter) of sterile water.
That’s all there is to it. The object is to get the patient to drink as much of this solution as you can get down them during the course of the disease and for a short time afterward. Not only does it rehydrate them, but it replaces the vital electrolytes to keep their systems in balance.
Don’t let the word “formula” scare you. If you can cook, you can make it. Anyone who can pay attention to detail can make this.
A few further comments from Dr. Greenwald. The proportions are not extremely critical — remember this formula was prepared for use by third world peoples with poor or no education. If you use a smidgen over or under 1/4 teaspoon of salt nothing terrible is going to happen. If you are uncertain exactly what a liter is and use a quart of water instead you’ll still be okay. The IMPORTANT thing is to get it made and start getting it into the sick person with diarrhea without delay!
Note, the salt referred to is COMMON table salt. The potassium chloride is commonly sold as “lite salt.” Just make sure that it is virtually pure potassium chloride (by reading the label). If you buy some salt substitute (NO SALT is one which we use) just make sure that it does not contain sodium chloride as well. The salt substitute should NOT contain ANY sodium chloride. If the label shows an ingredient like “silicon dioxide” in it, don’t worry. This is simply extremely finely ground up SAND to keep it flowing. (Isn’t it amazing what we eat?)
The baking soda in the formula is the same baking soda used in cooking, etc. and available in every kitchen.
The one thing which IS critical in the formula is the word “STERILE” water. If the water isn’t sterile, you risk re-infecting the person with the same disease he already has or even some new illness. Not a good idea.
If you don’t have a filter which will guarantee that the water you use is sterile, BOIL IT! Boil it for 10 to 15 minutes. Cool it and then use it to make the solution. Incidentally, make sure that the containers you use are also clean.
The other caveat in the use of the formula would be in the case of a diabetic. In such a case, the quantity of sugar should be reduced or eliminated. It is there to provide some calories. If your family includes one or more diabetics, it would be advisable to go over the sugar content with your family physician.
I have found that the addition of a little lemon juice makes the formula more palatable. Practically any flavoring could be used, for instance, a few drops of vanilla extract, especially with children. It will encourage them to drink copious quantities.
Having had success with the formula, we have now made up a large number of “doses” of the dry materials and sealed each batch in a plastic bag. Each bag should be clearly marked with the contents and with the mixing instructions.
Please, PLEASE print out these instructions and keep them in a readily accessible place for future reference. If the occasion arises, this little formula could well make the difference between life and death!!!
