Heat wave health advice

Leading first aid charity St John Ambulance has issued first aid advice to help people cope in the heat, as the Met Office announces its first health alert of the summer.

As temperatures rise, the warning is to be prepared, as many heat-related illnesses can be easy to prevent or treat if you notice the symptoms soon enough.

Be cautious

John Newman, Head of Emergency Operations at St John Ambulance, commented:

'Extreme heat can be dangerous, particularly for the very young and old, but by being prepared you can spot early warning signs of illness and care for someone who needs your help.'

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are the most serious problems that can develop when the sun is out. It’s essential that people look for signs such as headaches and dizziness, and remove themselves from the heat as soon as possible.

'When the temperature is this hot, St John Ambulance first aiders typically treat people for cramp, fainting, sunburn and dehydration. It's better to prevent these conditions and save yourself unnecessary pain and discomfort by avoiding prolonged periods of sun, drinking plenty of water and limiting alcohol intake.'

Summer first aid advice

Prolonged exposure to the sun or lack of fluids can cause your body to dangerously overheat. If someone is suffering from heatstroke they may have symptoms such as a rapid pulse, headache and dizziness. Their skin will be hot to the touch, red and flushed. As the condition worsens they will become disorientated and confused. It's important to lower their body temperature as soon as possible. To treat someone suffering from heatstroke, with their permission, remove as much of their clothing as possible and dial 999 for an ambulance. Move them to a cool place and wrap them in a cold, wet sheet or a suitable alternative until their temperature falls. If a sheet isn’t available sponge them with cold water. Once their temperature returns to normal replace the sheet with a dry one and make a note of their pulse and breathing until help arrives.

Useful tips

• Heat exhaustion is caused by the loss of salt and water from excessive sweating. Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, cramps, breathing that is fast but weak, and profuse sweating. Take the person into a cool, shady area and make them as comfortable as possible. Get them to lie down with legs raised and give them plenty of water. If you have them available, use isotonic drinks or a sachet of oral rehydration powder in water instead.

• Dehydration happens when the fluid lost from the body – usually through sweat – isn’t replaced. Symptoms are a dry mouth and eyes, headaches, dark urine, dizziness and confusion. Avoid it by drinking water regularly, not just when you feel thirsty. The young and old are at particular risk, so it’s crucial to rehydrate them promptly – and if you’re playing sports or other demanding activities, your fluid needs will be much higher. To treat dehydration, drink plenty of fluids; water is normally suitable but you may prefer to add oral rehydration powder to help replace the salts lost from the body.

• Fainting can be triggered by heat. If you’re prone to fainting, ensure you eat regularly and don’t stand up for extended periods during the heatwave. If someone faints, advise them to lie with their head down, then raise their legs on to your shoulders to improve blood flow to the brain. Make sure they have fresh air, and keep bystanders away if you can. Watch their face for signs of recovery, and as they begin to recover, help them to sit up gradually.

• Sunburn is one of the most common injuries presented to St John Ambulance volunteers. It’s best to protect yourself by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing and staying in the shade, but if it’s happened already there are some easy ways to ease the pain. As soon as you notice, cover yourself up and move out of the sun. Take frequent sips of cold water and cool the burnt skin with a cold damp cloth, or you may find it more practical to soak the area in a basin or bath of cool water for around ten minutes. Calamine or aftersun lotion can make you feel more comfortable. If your skin is blistered, you should seek medical advice – otherwise, carry on enjoying yourself out of the sun.

• You’re more likely to get cramp in the heat as it’s often caused by sweating, dehydration or exercise. The sharp onset of pain makes it alarming, but by carefully stretching and gently massaging the affected muscles it can quickly be brought under control. If it’s in the foot, stand with your weight in the front of the foot to stretch the muscles. If it’s in the calf, straighten your knee and flex the foot upwards. If it’s in the front of the thigh, raise the leg and bend the knee, and if it’s in the back of the thigh you should straighten the knee. Massage the affected muscles afterwards.

• If you get a blister from shoes rubbing, don’t burst it. If it’s broken or likely to be damaged, cover with a dry, non-adhesive dressing that extends well beyond the edges of the blister. Do not cover a blister with any creams or lotions.