How to survive the heat

When the temperature and the humidity are high at the same time or when the temperature exceeds a certain threshold, a person’s ability to cool their body through sweating is reduced.

In such instances, there is the threat of heat-related illnesses.

Children, the elderly, obese people and those who work outside have a high risk of developing heat-related illnesses.

People taking certain medications or consuming alcohol are also at risk.

Even athletes who are in a healthy condition can succumb to heat-related illnesses if they ignore the early warning signs.

Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) warns communities within Ekurhuleni and the country at large to take care of their health as temperatures have been extremely high in the past few days and more high temperatures due to El Niño weather patterns are expected.

Follow these tips when you find yourself in extremely hot conditions:

• Drink plenty of water, non-alcoholic or decaffeinated fluids often 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 reflect heat and sunlight away and help prevent heat absorption.
• Take a cool bath or shower.
• Don’t take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.
• Spend more time in air-conditioned places.
• Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day, usually the early morning or the evening.

Heat cramps:

Heat cramps may be the first sign of a heat-related illness and may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Signs and symptoms:

• Painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in the legs and abdomen.
• Heavy sweating.

First aid:

• Apply firm pressure on the cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasms.
• Have sips of cool water. If you feel nauseous 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 (heartbeat).

First aid:

• Move person to a cooler environment.
• Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of the body as possible.
• Lay the person down and loosen tight clothes.
• Offer sips of water if patient is still conscious.
• Seek medical attention immediately.

Heat stroke:

Signs and symptoms:

• Altered mental state.
• Headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, shallow breathing.
• Hot, red, dry or moist skin.
• Rapid and strong pulse (heartbeat).
• Faints, loses consciousness.

First aid:

• Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned environment.
• Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or a bath.
• Don`t give fluids.
• Take the person to a medical facility/hospital.

Other articles you may be interested in:

Animals at risk in sweltering heat

Children must be watched carefully in heatwave conditions