Temperatures in the Western Cape can rise to dangerous levels and everyone should be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Babies and the elderly are particularly at risk as are people working or exercising in a hot environment. People using chronic medication need to drink extra water during heat waves to ensure that their kidneys are not further stressed.
Heat stroke is often fatal and should be treated as a true medical emergency. Heat exhaustion is a less severe condition but can quickly progress to heat stroke if left untreated. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke occur when the body is unable to lower its temperature to normal levels through the skin or by sweating. Dehydration can cause heat stroke because the body is unable to sweat fast enough to dissipate the heat.
General prevention (All ages)
Tips for babies and children
Babies:
Older children:
Tips for those working outside
This is for sports people, teachers and employers of builders, gardeners and others forced to work outside:
Symptoms of heat exhaustion/stroke
Heat stroke can be fatal and should be treated as a medical emergency. Heat exhaustion is a less severe condition but can quickly progress to heat stroke if left untreated. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke occur when the body is unable to lower its temperature to normal levels through the skin or by sweating. Dehydration can cause heat stroke because the body is unable to sweat fast enough to dissipate the heat.
Signs of heat exhaustion
If the symptoms are severe or the victim has a heart condition or high blood pressure, seek urgent medical help.
Give the person the oral rehydration solution described above. Do not add too much salt - the mixture should taste like tears. Sports drinks or commercial oral rehydration solution are also effective. If the symptoms worsen or last longer than an hour, seek urgent medical attention.
Remember:
Children under two years are at high risk of dehydration leading rapidly to death, particularly if they have diarrhoea and/or vomiting. Use the sugar-salt solution to help them not to dry out. Seek medical attention as soon as you possibly can.