SAN DIEGO β A La Mesa man who nearly died from heat exhaustion while riding his off-road motorcycle near Campo is urging East County residents to take the danger seriously as temperatures continue running above normal this month.
Alex Savvidis was riding north of Campo in July 2024 when he ran out of water about an hour into his ride. Within minutes, his symptoms escalated rapidly.
"My heart rate was elevated. Started getting a bit nervous," Savvidis said. "I started getting really tired. I ended up throwing up from the dehydration, and thatβs when I realized I need to call help. I was really scared what could happen."
Savvidis was airlifted to a waiting ambulance where medical personnel treated him for heat exhaustion. He recorded a video of the approaching helicopter before he lost further ability to move on his own.
His story carries fresh urgency for Santee and East County residents following a prolonged stretch of above-normal heat this month. San Diego County logged nearly 200 emergency visits and hospitalizations from heat-related illnesses in a recent year, according to health officials.
Kaiser Permanente family medicine physician Dr. Heidi Meyer offered a clear hydration baseline: for every 100 pounds of body weight, drink at least 50 ounces of fluids β and skip alcohol and coffee, which accelerate heat stroke risk. In high-heat or high-exertion conditions, bump fluid intake up by 10 to 25 percent.
"No matter your age, no matter your fitness level, you can get sick. You can die from heat stroke," Dr. Meyer said.
Savvidis distilled it simply: "Bring more water than you think you need. Take breaks and listen to your body."
For East County residents planning outdoor activities β hiking, off-roading, trail riding, or outdoor work in Santee, Alpine, Lakeside, or the backcountry β health officials advise always carrying more water than you expect to drink and listening to your body's warning signs.