8. Climatic Heat Stress and Inclement Weather Procedure

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CLIMATIC HEAT STRESS AND INCLEMENT WEATHER Section 2 – Procedure 8 Date of Issue: January 2013 Date of Review: January 2015

Practice The practices described in this procedure are applied routinely unless an individual’s health care plan indicates otherwise. The following practices apply in hot weather (see Appendix 1 for definition): • • • •

Clients/staff should stay indoors as much as possible Ensure activities are conducted indoors in air conditioned venues where possible or in the shade if outdoors (see Appendix 2 re air conditioning) No client is to sit in a parked car Clients/staff are advised to wear light, loose clothing. Staff to ensure that enclosed footwear is secure on feet (to prevent injury).

If Outdoors • A minimum 30+ sunscreen should be regularly applied (particularly if client receives medication causing sun sensitivity, (see Appendix 2). • Reapply sunscreen at least 2 hourly. General Practice Clients/staff are to be encouraged to wear a broad brimmed hat outdoors. Ensure that the client drinks at least a glass of water per hour (about 200ml). Give in amounts tolerated by the client over the hour, may be given as one drink or several smaller drinks. Avoid unnecessary activity as it increases body heat. The following practices apply in inclement weather: • Clients will be encouraged to pursue indoor activities • Staff will ensure that clients have access to and utilise or be assisted to use, appropriate wet weather equipment • Clients will be encouraged and supported to wear appropriate clothing to ensure warmth and protection in wet weather • Staff will support clients to change clothes as soon as possible if their clothes become wet • Staff are to familiarise themselves with and implement any individual client requirements in inclement weather.

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First Aid If any person is observed to be suffering ill effects of exposure to heat first aid is to be administered according to the situation. See Appendix 1 for information about: • • • • •

Air Conditioning Medication Heat Illness Heat Illness prevention Heat Illness treatment.

Appendix 1 Air Conditioning Air conditioning will be maintained according to current government requirements including temperature control. Medication A side effect of some medications is photosensitivity, which means that the person will burn after very short periods of exposure to the sun. Check with the person’s Medical or Health Care professional or pharmacist. Heat Illness The temperature of the healthy human body is maintained at about 37°C. In hot or humid conditions people are at risk of heat illness. Heat-related illness can occur when the body is unable to adequately cool itself. The body usually cools itself by sweating, but sometimes sweating is not enough and the body temperature keeps rising. Heat-related illness can range from mild conditions such as rash or cramps to very serious conditions such as heat stroke, which can kill. Heat may worsen the condition of someone who already has a medical condition such as heart disease. Prevention is the best way to manage heatrelated illness. There are three stages of heat illness – heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke: 1.

Heat Cramps Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms, usually in the abdomen, arms or legs. They may occur after strenuous activity in a hot environment, when the body gets depleted of salt and water. They may be a symptom of heat exhaustion.

2.

Heat Exhaustion Heat exhaustion is a serious condition that can develop into heat stroke. Warning signs may include: • •

Pale and sweating Rapid heart rate

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• • • • 3.

Muscle cramps, weakness Dizziness, headache Nausea, vomiting Fainting

Heat Stroke Heat Stroke is a life- threatening emergency. It occurs when the body is unable to prevent the temperature rising rapidly. The symptoms may be the same as for heat exhaustion, but the skin may be dry with no sweating, and the person’s mental condition worsens. They may stagger, appear confused, have a seizure, or collapse and become unconscious.

Heat Illness Prevention In general, in hot weather all people are at risk of developing heat illness, and should take the following steps to avoid it. They should: • • • • • • • •

protect themselves from strong direct sunlight wear loose fitting porous clothing and a broad brimmed hat not do heavy physical tasks in hot humid weather unless conditioned to the task and the environmental conditions drink enough water to satisfy thirst avoid alcohol as this increases urine output and hence fluid loss not stay in closed and uncooled cars during hot weather cease working when affected by heat cramps or heat exhaustion and seek medical aid if the symptoms persist not take part in strenuous outdoor activities during the hot summer months.

Heat Illness Management What to do for Heat Cramps: • Stop activity and sit quietly in a cool place • Increase fluid intake • Rest a few hours before returning to activity • Seek medical help if no improvement. What to do for Heat Exhaustion: • Get the person to a cool area and lie them down • Increase fluid intake, if the person is not vomiting • Remove outer clothing • Wet skin with cool water or wet cloths • Seek medical advice. What to do for Heat Stroke: • Call an ambulance • Get the person to a cool area and lie them down G:\Policies & Procedures\BINSA POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL 2013\Section 2 - Client Policies And Procedures\8 Climatic Heat Stress And Inclement Weather Procedure Jan 2013.Doc

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• •

Remove clothing and wet skin with water, fanning continuously Position an unconscious person on their side and clear the airway.

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