How to tackle hot conditions
When the temperature and humidity is high, a person’s ability to cool their body through sweating is reduced.
In such instances, the real threat is heat-related illnesses to life.
Children, elderly, obese people and those who work outdoors have a high risk of developing heat-related illnesses, according to Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services’ William Ntladi.
He said people who are on certain medications and those consuming alcohol also have high risk.
Ntladi gave some precautions you should consider when you find yourself under hot conditions:
•Drink plenty of water, non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you are on a fluids restrictive diet, consult a physician before increasing consumption of fluids
•Rest and cool down in the shade during breaks
•Lightweight, bright, loose fitting clothes reflects heat and sunlight.
•Take a cool bath or shower
•Don’t take salt tablets unless prescribed by a doctor
•Spend more time in air-conditioned places
•Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day, usually early morning or in the evening.
Heat cramps
Heat cramps may be the first sign of heat-related illness and may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Sign and symptoms of heat cramps are:
•Painful muscles cramps and spasm usually in the legs and abdomen
•Heavy sweating
First aid:
•Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm
•Have sips of cool water unless you feeling nausea, then stop having water
Heat exhaustion
Signs and symptoms:
•Heavy sweating
•Weakness
•Dizziness
•Nausea and vomiting
•Fainting
•Cool, pale and clammy skin
•Fast and weak pulse
First aid:
•Move person to a cooler environment
•Apply cool, wet clothes to as much of the body as possible
•Lay the person down and loosen tight clothes
•Offer sips of water if the patient still conscious
•Seek medical attention immediately
Heat stroke
Sign and symptoms include:
•Altered mental state
•Headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, shallow breathing
•Hot, red, dry or moist skin
•Rapid and strong pulse
•Fainting
First aid:
•Get the victim to a medical facility
•Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned environment
•Reduce body temperature with cool clothes or by taking a bath
•Don`t give fluids.
For life-threatening emergencies call 011 458 0911.
