Take precautions against the heat

According to the organisation’s general manager, Shalen Ramduth, dehydration, hyperthermia, heatstroke or heat exhaustion can pose a real threat, particularly to vulnerable children and elderly individuals.

“We urge people to be cautious when undertaking strenuous physical activities outdoors and to protect their children who are more susceptible to suffering heat exhaustion. The elderly should also be particularly vigilant, especially those suffering from medical conditions such as epilepsy and high blood pressure.”

He explained that heatstroke occurs when the human body’s core temperature increases beyond 40 degrees Celsius. The condition can be fatal if not treated properly and promptly, he warned. Heatstroke can cause an individual to slip into a coma and suffer organ failure.

Ramduth said heatstroke should be treated as a medical emergency and emergency medical services should be contacted if you suspect that someone is suffering from the condition.

The first thing to do is move the individual out of the sun and into the shade. You can remove their clothing and, if possible, place them in a bathtub filled with cool or tepid water if they are conscious. Do not use very cold water as it can prevent heat escaping the body core. Be sure to keep a close eye when a patient is placed in a bath to make sure he or she does not lose consciousness.

Alternatively, the patient may be hosed down with cool water from a garden hose or wiped down using a cool, wet cloth. They may be fanned to encourage evaporation and cooling of the skin. It is also vital to give the victim drinking water or, even better, isotonic drinks containing electrolytes. If they cannot take any liquids orally, intravenous hydration by means of a drip is necessary.

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, headache, vomiting, fatigue, muscle cramps and aches and dizziness.

Netcare 911 offered the following tips to assist in coping with the high temperatures:

• Avoid strenuous physical activity in the heat or in hot, humid conditions
• Avoid exposure to the sun in the middle of the day
• Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking sufficient fluids such as water and sports drinks. However, do not overdo your drinking as it is also possible to over hydrate
• Avoid drinks that may dehydrate you further such as alcohol, fizzy drinks, tea and coffee
• Wear UV protective sunglasses and a wide-brimmed sun hat
• Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) 15+ liberally
• Take care to ensure babies and children are well protected and kept cool
• Avoid exposure to the sun during pregnancy
• Avoid excessive exposure to the sun whilst swimming or engaging in other water-related activities
• Check that medication being taken will not affect sensitivity to heat
• Do not leave anyone, especially babies, small children or the elderly in a parked car, not even for a few minutes, as the temperature inside a car can rise to exceptionally high levels within a very short period.