With the soaring heat of the summer it is imperative that one knows how to help the body cope. Netcare911 paramedics recently responded to several calls in which people were affected by high temperatures across the province.
Heat or sunstroke occurs when the core temperature of the body rises above 40°C and the body’s temperature regulating mechanisms fail.
With the soaring heat of the summer it is imperative that one knows how to help the body cope. Netcare911 paramedics recently responded to several calls in which people were affected by high temperatures across the province.
Heat or sunstroke occurs when the core temperature of the body rises above 40°C and the body’s temperature regulating mechanisms fail.
This can result in organ failure. High risk groups for heat stroke are: people who are unfit; ingest large amounts of alcohol; suffer from chronic diseases; the elderly and very young children.
Signs and symptoms are: hot, dry skin; body core temperature being greater than 40°C; confusion and/or
disorientation; seizures; fast heart rate followed by slow heart rate and rapid, shallow breathing which will slow down later.
The first thing one must do is move the person to a cool place. Remove excess clothing and pour tepid (not cold) water over them, placing ice bags wrapped in towels under each armpit, under each knee and alongside the neck.
It is then safe to call an ambulance or medical practitioner. Sunburn is considered a superficial first degree burn as it only affects the top layer of the skin.
Characteristically it is extremely painful and will usually heal in seven to 10 days with no scarring. Skin
may peel off in the affected area.
Look out for severe pain, redness, itchiness and swelling. Place the affected area under tepid water and do not apply ointments of any kind.
If the burn is severe, visit your local medical practitioner. Dehydration is defined by the volume of water removed from your body being greater than the volume of water taken in.
Causes include diarrhoea, vomiting, sweating, diabetes and burns. Signs and symptoms are: thirst; dry mouth; no sweat (in severe cases); muscle cramps; nausea and vomiting; heart palpitations and light headedness.
Call 082 911 if lethargy, vomiting or diarrhoea occur. Drink water or in extreme cases any type of clear fluid.
The standard dehydration electrolyte formula is: 1 litre water + 8 teaspoon sugar + 2 teaspoons salt. For more information go to the following website: www.netcare911.co.za.
