Now I'm not sure what weather conditions are like around the world, but here in London, its so hot, we've got a heatwave! Yes, you read that right. A heatwave in London. Saturday was the hottest with the temperature hitting 30oC. I was working in Hyde Park that day at the Barclaycard British Summer Time Concert, and I had so many patients that had problem either as a direct result of the heat or the heat contributed.
Lots of heat related illness can be prevented by drinking water, as a rule try to drink around 1.5 litres a day.
What are the problems caused by a heatwave?
There are three main problems that are caused by a heatwave; Dehydratation , Heat exhuastion and Heatstroke.
Dehydratation
This occurs as result of a person not drinking enough water. If you think a person is suffering for dehydration, then let the person rest in a shaded/cool area and give them lots of water to drink. Try to avoid caffeinated or fizzy drinks.
Heat exhuastion
This occurs when a person's temperature is between 37oC ( your normal body temperature) and 40oC. People with heat exhaustion normally are very tired, have a rapid pulse, feel dizzy and feel sick (nausea). The treatment is the same as dehydration. Cool the person and rehydrate the person.
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| The effect caused by changes in body temperature |
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is very serious. The symptoms of heatstroke are a rapid pulse, paid breathing and a temperature over 40oC. In some cases person are also confused, anxious and may fall unconscious. If you suspect someone has heatstroke call 999 immediately. While you're waiting for the ambulance to arrive, give the person lots of water to drink , additionally you could also place damp sheet on them or spray them with water to cool them down.
Who's at risk during a heatwave?
Pretty much everyone, but the people that are more susceptible are:
- Older people (<70 years old)
- Babies and young children
- People with chronic heart or lungs problems
- People who are physically active
- People who misuse drugs and/or alcohol
In the hot weather, many people faint due to not staying hydrated (90% of my calls on Saturday were "Patient fainted and feeling unwell") . Should someone faint/feel faint near you here's what you do:
- Lie them down
- Raise their legs
- Give them water
- Get rid of people (politely) that don't need to be there as this could make the person more anxious.
Try to stay in the shade as often as you can and keep drinking cold drinks avoid tea,coffee and alcohol. And try to enjoy the sun, you don't get it that often in England.
There's one golden rule during a heatwave.....!!!STAY HYDRATED!!!
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