Classic heatstroke usually affects older adults, young children, or those with underlying issues (Image: Getty)
As temperatures rise and Brits flock to parks, pubs and beer gardens to watch the World Cup, one expert has urged Brits to watch out for signs of heat illness. While hot weather signals an exciting start to the summer season, there are many dangers that come with the heat.
Director of CPR First Aid Training in Melbourne, Owena Cleary, explained exactly what warning signs to watch out for when it comes to identifying heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. As all heat illnesses are slightly different, it is important to be able to differentiate between them. The director details exactly which symptoms relate to each type of heat illness.
It is recommended to fan someone with heatstroke while misting or immersing them in cool water (Image: Getty)
While heat cramps are the mildest form of heat illness, symptoms include intense muscle spasms, often in the legs or abdomen. This is caused by the loss of fluids and electrolytes through sweat.
However, if the cause is just heat cramps, Brits should still be alert and body temperature should be normal. The solution is seeking shade, rest and drinking something with electrolytes in it.
Heat illness is more severe when it develops into heat exhaustion, when the body temperature rises to 40 degrees Celsius. Someone who heat exhaustion might also experience confusion or feel they may faint. Other symptoms include heavy sweating, clammy skin, nausea or a headache.
In this scenario, Brits should find a cool environment as soon as possible and lie down with slightly elevated legs. Drinking water is also important and emergency help should be called if symptoms do not improve.
Heatstroke is the most severe heat illness with body temperatures sometimes rising above 40 degrees Celsius. Without prompt medical treatment heatstroke can lead to organ failure and even be fatal.
Classic heatstroke usually affects older adults, young children, or those with underlying health conditions if they have been in the sun for long periods of time.
Exertional heatstroke affects the otherwise healthy person, often during intense physical activity in the heat.
The warning signs to watch out for include hot and red skin but, in the case of a classic heatstroke, the person may not be sweating at all. They may be nauseous, confused, have slurred speech, or have a seizure.
In all cases of heatstroke, emergency services should be called immediately and the person affected should be treated with an ice pack to the neck, armpit and groin in the meantime. Fanning them while misting or immersing them in cool water is also helpful.
Cleary said: “Most people know that hydration is one of the most important heat-safety strategies, but it is often misunderstood.”
When participating in activities for over an hour or sweating heavily, it’s vital to keep replacing electrolytes. This can be done by consuming coconut water, electrolyte solutions or any natural sodium-containing foods.
