As the hot weather continues here are some tips to help you stay safe in the sun.
Dehydration is a common side effect of high temperatures and outdoor time during the summer. Keeping everyone well hydrated is particularly important in this hot weather. Drink plenty of water and don’t forget to look out for those who are very young or very old as they are particularly at risk of dehydration.
If someone shows signs of heat exhaustion, i.e. feeling faint or dizzy, excessive sweating, flushed, stomach cramps, feeling sick or headaches then remove them from the sun and encourage them to sit in the shade or in a cool area. Heat exhaustion occurs when someone loses too much fluid and salt usually from sweating in warmer conditions. If heat exhaustion is not recognised and managed quickly, it can develop into heatstroke, which is far more serious.
It is important to give the casualty plenty of water to drink or isotonic sports drinks to replace their fluids. If they don’t recover quickly or you are concerned, do seek medical advice.
Heat stroke is caused by a failure of the body’s ‘thermostat’. It happens when the body is no longer able to control its temperature. Heatstroke is a medical emergency. It is important to get medical help immediately if someone is has the symptoms of heatstroke.
If someone shows signs of heat stroke, i.e. a very high temperature above 40 degrees c, hot skin without sweating, dizziness and discomfort, seizures, rapid deterioration in the level of response, confusion and restlessness.
Call 999/112 immediately if you recognise any of the above signs of heatstroke and move the casualty to a cool place. Start cooling them down by wrapping them in a wet sheet until the temperature start to fall. Keep the wet sheet damp by pouring cold water over it. You can also fan them or sponge them with cold water if no wet sheet is available whilst waiting for help to arrive.
It is also important to ensure that you dress appropriately during this extremely hot weather. Loose fitting clothes are recommended and will help you stay much cooler.
It is also particularly important that you don’t cover prams or car seats to shade, as this can cause overheating, heat stroke and increase the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It is best to buy specific shade covers for this purpose.
We hope you enjoy the sunshine – but remember to be safe at the same time!
