Be aware of heat-related illnesses
RescueCare have issued warnings regarding the increase of heat based illnesses brought about during the recent spike in temperatures.
AS the Durban summer wears on and the mercury level rises to unbearable heights, the dangers of heat exposure are ever present.
According to Garrith Jamieson, operations director for RescueCare, paramedics have seen a sharp rise in the amount of people collapsing as a result of high temperatures throughout the province in the past few days.
“Most susceptible to the high temperatures are the elderly and the very young, and we urge members of the public to heed safety warnings and understand the dangers of exposure to extreme temperatures. Heat stress occurs when our body is unable to cool itself enough to maintain a healthy temperature. Normally, the body cools itself by sweating, but sometimes sweating isn’t enough and the body temperature keeps rising,” said Jamieson.
People most at risk of heat-related illness:
People over 65 years old.
Babies and young children.
Pregnant and nursing mothers.
People who are physically unwell, especially with heart disease, high blood pressure or lung disease.
People on medication for mental illnesses.
“It is important to know the signs and symptoms of heat exposure and how you should respond. Symptoms vary according to the type of heat-related illness. Babies and young children may show signs of restlessness or irritability and have fewer wet nappies. Older people may become lightheaded, confused, weak or faint,” said Jamieson.
Some heat-related illnesses and common symptoms include:
Deterioration in existing medical conditions – this is the most common health problem of heat stress.
Heat rash – a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating. It can occur at any age, but is most common in young children. It looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters. It is most likely to occur on the neck and upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts and in the elbow creases.
Heat cramps – these include 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.
Dizziness and fainting – heat-related dizziness and fainting results from reduced blood flow to the brain. There can be a feeling of light-headedness before fainting occurs.
Heat exhaustion – this is a serious condition that can develop into heat stroke. It occurs when excessive sweating in a hot environment reduces the blood volume. Warning signs
may include paleness and sweating, rapid heart rate, muscle cramps (usually in the abdomen, arms or legs), headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness or fainting.
Heat stroke – this is a medical emergency and requires urgent attention. Heat stroke occurs when the core body temperature rises above 40.5C and the body’s internal systems start to shut down. Many organs in the body suffer damage and the body temperature must be reduced quickly. Most people will have profound central nervous system changes such as delirium, coma and seizures. The person may stagger, appear confused, have a fit or collapse and become unconscious. As well as effects on the nervous system, there can be liver, kidney, muscle and heart damage.
“The symptoms of heat stroke may be the same as for heat exhaustion, but the skin may be dry with no sweating,” concluded Jamieson.
