City of Ekurhuleni DEMS shares tips for heatwaves

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CITY of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) sends a cautionary alert in preparation to risks caused by a heatwave, ahead of summer.

Some places can be hit by heatwaves and undergo a prolonged period of abnormal hot weather, posing serious health risks to life and potential summer fire hazards.

According to DEMS, main risks of a heatwave include dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

The most common warning signs and symptoms of dehydration include:

• Dry skin

• Dry mouth, as an early sign

• Sleepiness

• Thirst, also an early sign

• Decreased urination

• Muscle weakness

• Fatigue

• Headaches

Treating dehydration:

• Rest the affected person under the shade, dress lightly and in brighter colours.

• Help them to sit down and give them plenty of water to drink.

• Avoid too much carbonated drinks.

• Giving them an oral rehydration solution to drink will help replace salt and other minerals which they’ve lost – you can buy this in sachets from any pharmacy.

• If they have any painful cramps, encourage them to rest, help them stretch and massage their muscles that hurt.

• Keep checking how they’re feeling – if they still feel unwell once they’re rehydrated then encourage them to see a doctor straight away.

Common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Confusion

• Dark-coloured urine

• Dizziness

• Fainting

• Fatigue

• Headaches

• Muscular or abdominal cramps

• Nausea and vomiting or diarrhoea

• Pale skin

• Profuse sweating

• Rapid pulse rate

Treatment of heat exhaustion:

• It is essential to get out of a heated environment and rest. Preferably in an air-conditioned room or shady area.

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially sports drinks to replace lost salt, avoid caffeine and alcoholic drinks.

• Remove any tight or unnecessary clothing.

• Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath.

• Apply other cooling measures, such as fans and towels.

Heat stroke:

Heat stroke, also known as sun stroke, is a type of severe heat illness that results in a body temperature greater than 40°C.

Signs and symptoms of heat stroke:

• Dizziness or light-headedness

• Seizures or coma

• Nausea and vomiting

• Flushed and reddened skin

• Slurred speech

• Agitation

• Disorientation

• Delirium

• Unconsciousness

Treatment of heat stroke:

• Prompt cooling will bring core body temperature and brain back to normal within an hour (cold water immersion).

• Seek prompt medical intervention as soon as possible.

• Avoid sugary, sweetened drinks, alcohol and caffeine because they will cause increased urination and electrolyte loss.