During an extreme heatwave
First of all, remember that elderly people, children, overweight people
as well as those with a chronic condition
are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat.
If you are confronted to an extremely hot weather, you should
stay indoors as much as possible and limit
sun exposure during mid-day hours (usually from noon to 4 PM) and in places of
potential severe exposure. If air conditioning
is not available, stay on the lowest floor of the building, which will usually be
the coolest one. If possible, consider
spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings equipped with air
conditioning, such as libraries, schools, movie
theaters or shopping malls, and avoid exercising during the hottest hours.
Eat light meals and drink regularly cool, nonalcoholic
beverages. If the weather is very hot, it is recommended
to drink two to four glasses of liquid per hour.
Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes
that cover as much skin as possible. Wear a
hat and sunscreen in order to protect your face and head from sunshine.
What are the risks associated to extreme heat?
There are two main risks to take into account: heat strokes and heat
exhaustion.
Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its
temperature, which may rise to 41�C within
15 minutes. Heat stroke can prove lethal is emergency treatment is not provided.
Heat stroke is characterized by a very high
body temperature, a hot and dry skin, a rapid pulse as well as nausea, dizziness,
confusion and unconsciousness. Heat stroke
constitutes a medical emergency: you should warn emergency services as soon as
possible. While waiting for their arrival,
you can cool the victim, by taking him to a shady area and sponging him with cool
water. Do not give the victim anything to
drink.
Heat exhaustion occurs when one is exposed to high
temperatures and has lost excessive amounts of water;
heat exhaustion is more likely to occur among elderly people, those with high blood
plessure or people who exercise in a hot
environment. Main symptoms include heavy sweating, paleness and muscle cramps as
well as general weakness, dizziness, headache
and in some cases, vomiting. The victim's pulse is usually fast and weak. If heat
exhaustion if left untreated, it may evolve
to heat stroke. If the symptoms look severe, or if the victim has known heart
problems or high blood pressure, call medical
emergency services; otherwise, you can help the victim to cool off by giving him
cool beverages and putting him in an
air-conditioned environment. If symptoms have not disappeared within an hour, call
medical emergency services.
