Stay Hydrated - Heat Awareness

We all look forward to the summer heat, but it's important that we all take steps to ensure that we are prepared for the hot weather so that we don't suffer from heat exhaustion, or worse, heatstroke. Unfortunately, we see a higher rate of deaths in the UK during the summer months.

As the temperature rises, people tend to get the urge to go out and have a drink, however, alcohol can make you more susceptible to heat-related illness. Enjoy the warm weather, just take precautions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

How to recognise heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion isn't necessarily serious, as long as you recognise the signs of heat illness and act accordingly. Below are some of the symptoms you may experience if you're suffering from heat exhaustion.

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Excessive thirst
• Cramps in the legs, arms and stomach
• A high temperature of 30C or above
• Sweating

If you are experiencing these symptoms, you need to cool down. You can do this by moving to a cool place, lying down, raising your feet, cooling your skin and drinking plenty of water.

How to recognise heat stroke

Heatstroke is far more serious than heat exhaustion. It is caused when the body is overheating, usually after long exposure to high temperatures. Heatstroke needs to be treated by a professional, so if you or someone around you is exhibiting symptoms, you need to call the emergency services.

Symptoms to look out for

• Loss of consciousness
• Hot, dry skin
• Excessive sweating
• Seizures
• Confusion, altered mental state, strange behaviour, slurred speech
• Very high body temperature
• Nausea or vomiting
• Racing heart rate

What to do if you, or someone around you, is exhibiting these symptoms:

• Call the emergency services
• Move to a shaded, cool area and remove outer layers
• Cool down quickly with water or an ice bath, wet the skin, soak the clothing with cool water and place cold wet cloths on the skin
• Circulate the air around the person
• Cold wet cloths on the head, armpits, neck and groin

How to prevent heat-related illness

So now you know what to look out for, how can you prevent yourself from suffering a heat-related illness? Here are some tips to help you stay cool as the summer months progress.

• Stay hydrated. This is important as you need to replenish the fluids lost as your body is sweating
• Wear loose, light clothing
• Avoid sunburn, as this inhibits your body's ability to regulate its temperature. So avoid the direct sun and apply sunscreen generously.
• Don't sit in a parked car or leave anyone in a parked car, even with the windows open or in the shade
• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day

To raise awareness of heat-related illness and to encourage people to be prepared, we encourage you to share this post with friends and family.

Be careful and stay hydrated this summer!