With the dreaded (and beloved) Australian summer on its way, we need to know what to look out for and how to stay safe even in the face of skyrocketing temperatures.
Studies have called heatwaves our deadliest natural hazard, but even despite this people still fail to stay cool and properly hydrate.
It's time to beat the heat.
What to look out for:
The two dangerous stages of major dehydration are Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke.
Heat Exhaustion:
Heat Exhaustion is what happens when "someone becomes dehydrated due to fluid loss from a hot environment and/or excessive physical activity", according to the Australian Red Cross.
Their list of symptoms includes:
- Headache
- Body temperature more than 40 degrees Celsius
- Muscle cramps
- Exhaustion and general weakness.
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Dizzy spells
- Pale, cool, clammy skin at first, becoming flushed and red later
- A rapid, weak pulse.
If somebody is suffering from heat exhaustion, they need to be immediately removed from their location, and taken to a cool or shady area so they can lie down in total rest. Be sure to monitor them during this.
Excess clothing should be removed, and tight clothing should be loosened if at all possible to allow them to cool off more efficiently.
They need to be cooled, with something like a cooling towel or neck tie.
If responsive, they should be given cold water or a high-hydration drink to hydrate and restore electrolytes.
If the person is suffering from muscle cramps, gently stretch the affected muscles to ease pain.
If they are, or become, unresponsive, place in the recovery position. If they are unable to drink, vomiting, unresponsive and/or do not improve, call an ambulance immediately. Prepare to give CPR if necessary.
Heat Stroke:
The next, far more dangerous stage of dehydration is Heat Stroke. It is a life-threatening emergency and can cause a person to collapse or fall unconscious. Heat stroke is more serious and means the body is no longer able to regulate its temperature by cooling the skin's surface by sweating. The internal body temperature rises, and organ damage can occur.
The Australian Red Cross lists the symptoms of heat stroke as:
- Typically no longer sweating.
- Red, hot and dry skin.
- A body temperature more than 40°C.
- A rapid, strong pulse.
- Rapid, noisy breathing.
- Irrational or aggressive behaviour.
- Deterioration of the conscious state.
If somebody appears to be suffering from heat stroke, call 000 immediately. Do not delay - they need to be attended to by trained medical professionals.
While waiting for the ambulance, cool the person using cooling towels or a wet sheet with a fan directed across the surface. If ice packs are available, wrap them in towels and place them around the neck, groin, and armpits.
Make sure to monitor the person continually, and if shivering occurs, reduce active cooling. If unresponsive or not alert, place them in the recovery position, and prepare to give CPR if necessary.
However, prevention is the best cure, and heat exhaustion/stroke can be avoided.
First and foremost, drink water or high-hydration drinks (even if you aren't thirsty). Electrolyte-restoring drinks or ice shots are highly recommended because they replenish not only the fluids, but the electrolytes lost while sweating.
Although alcohol, tea, coffee and sugary or fizzy drinks might seem attractive, they typically make dehydration worse, so they are not recommended.
Remember to eat food, too. When it's hot, the Australian Red Cross recommends small meals more often, rather than large meals, and cold food like salad and fruit.
For workplaces, work should be structured around the heat - work when it's cooler, and take frequent breaks. Try to avoid peak temperatures, and always work in teams to monitor each other's condition.
Use hydration and cooling equipment liberally and make sure liquids are always on hand.
Of course, never forget your sunscreen and pay attention to temperature forecasts.
Remember: it is always better to be safe than sorry.
