Tips on Staying Safe in the Heat

As the temperature is expected to climb in parts of Saskatchewan over the next few days, the Canadian Red Cross wants to remind everyone to take steps to protect themselves from the heat. While the summer season is a favourite time of year for many, extensive exposure to extreme heat can result in serious medical conditions such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps.

Children, the elderly, and those with certain health conditions are particularly susceptible, but these emergencies can happen to anyone who stays in the summer heat for too long. Check on friends and family members who may be isolated or unaware they are at risk. Symptoms of heat cramps typically include muscle contractions, usually in the legs or abdomen. Heat exhaustion symptoms include moist, red, or pale skin, nausea, and dizziness. The symptoms of heat stroke are more severe, including: red, hot, and dry skin; irritable, bizarre or aggressive behaviour; progressive loss of consciousness; rapid or weak pulse that becomes irregular; rapid or shallow breathing; and seizures. A significant amount of water is lost through sweating, and that needs to be constantly replenished.

The Red Cross offers the following tips on keeping cool during hot weather: • Drink plenty of cool fluids but avoid caffeine and alcohol. • Avoid being outdoors dur- ing the middle of the day when the sun is at its strongest. Instead, try going out in the early morning or later evening hours when the sun is not as strong. Where possible, try to spend the hottest hours of the day in an air-conditioned environment. • Slow down activities that increase body temperature. People should work, exercise, and play in brief periods, while taking frequent breaks in cool or shaded areas. • Wear light, loose clothing, as well as a hat and sunglasses. • Wear sunscreen with a high sun protection factor to protect your skin from sunburn. It is important for everyone enjoying the outdoors to know how to prevent heat emergencies, recognize when someone has been in the heat for too long, and be able to provide help when needed. Heat-related emergencies are progressive in nature and without proper treatment, a person’s condition can rapidly worsen. Provide immediate care to prevent the illness from becoming more severe.

Anyone demonstrating signs of heat-related emergencies should be moved to a cool location and given cool water to sip and to apply to the skin. Call 911 if someone shows significant signs of distress, loss of consciousness or if their symptoms become more severe. Learn more about how to help people in distress and how to get First Aid certification at redcross.ca.

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