Health officials in Wiltshire offer heatwave advice (From Wiltshire Times)

Health officials in Wiltshire offer heatwave advice

9:51am Tuesday 30th June 2009

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Health officials in Wiltshire are warning people to be prepared for this week's heat wave, with temperatures expected to soar to at least 30 degrees this week.

Each year Great Western Ambulance Service (GWAS) said it attends incidents where people are suffering from severe sunburn, heat exhaustion and dehydration.

There has already been an increase in demand and with the hot spell set to continue, paramedic clinical advisor for GWAS, Victoria O’Leary, has offered a few words of advice.

“One of the best ways to stay healthy during the hot weather is to make sure you keep your fluid levels up. Drinking plenty of water and squash is great for this,” she said.

“Try to avoid too much tea, coffee and alcohol as these act as diuretics – removing water from the body by increasing the amount of urine the kidneys produce – so although you are drinking you are not actually increasing your fluid levels.

“Wear a hat, put on plenty of high factor sun cream and wear loose fitting garments as these will help to protect you.

“When possible, especially during the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest, try to stay indoors or in the shade. If you have to be outside make sure you take frequent breaks and regularly apply sun cream.

“Parents of young children need to be very careful as the young can be particularly vulnerable during the hot weather and need to take extra care. Older people can also be more sensitive to the heat.”

During the weekend category A, life-threatening, emergencies were up by 13.5 per cent compared to previous weekends in June.

Category A emergencies include problems such as breathing difficulties and chest pains which are conditions that can often be brought on by extreme temperatures.

GWAS also saw an increase in the number of heat related incidents attended.

Dr Gabriel Scally, regional director of public health for NHS South West said: “It is very tempting to get out as much as possible in the summer sun but it is essential to prepare and be sensible about exposure.

“In severe heat, extra strain is placed on the body as it tries to cool itself.

“You will need to drink plenty of cold liquids to keep yourself hydrated. If you overheat you may dehydrate which can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke.”

Symptoms of heat stroke include headaches, nausea, sleepiness, confusion, aggression, convulsions, loss of consciousness and hot, red skin.

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