Good grief, it sure is getting hot out there. Down here, near the bottom of the southern hemisphere, South Australian summers can be especially brutal, and unless you’ve been hiding out in a greenhouse all year, you’re certainly feeling the heat like the rest of us.
While an Australian summer means many great things, like trips to the beach, barbecues, and ice cream, it can also be dangerous to spend too much time in the sun, especially without taking the right precautions, like drinking enough water, applying sunscreen, and staying cool.
Heat exhaustion is the body’s reaction to an excessive loss of water and/or salt contained in sweat. It can be treated by lowering the body’s temperature by chilling out in a cool place, taking a cool shower, or drinking plenty of water.
When left untreated, heat exhaustion can turn into heat stroke, which is a life-threatening emergency. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of these two conditions could save your life or that of a loved one.
Heat Exhaustion
The common symptoms of heat exhaustion are:
- General weakness
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Thirsty
- Increased heavy sweating
- A weak but faster pulse/heart rate
- Nausea or vomiting
- Poor coordination
- Fainting, lightheadedness, dizziness
- Pale, cold, clammy skin
If you feeling symptoms of heat exhaustion, take a cool shower or use a cold cloth to decrease body temperature. Drink plenty of water, move to a shaded or cooler area, and remove any extra layers or unnecessary clothing, like shoes or socks. If you’re feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseous, lie down and seek medical treatment if vomiting continues.
Heat Stroke
The common symptoms of heat stroke are:
- High body temperature above 40°C
- Rapid and strong pulse/heart rate
- Extremely thirsty
- Dry, swollen tongue
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Disorientated, dizzy, delirious, or slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
- Convulsion, seizures, or coma
- Hot, red, dry, or moist skin
If you notice someone displaying symptoms of heat stroke, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
According to SA Health, here’s what you should do while you wait for help to arrive.
If the person is unconscious, lay them on their side in the recovery position and check they can breathe properly. Perform CPR if needed.
If the person is conscious, move them to a cool area and keep them still. Give them small sips of fluid and cool them down with cold water or cool packs. A cold, wet cloth around the neck can be helpful. Refrain from giving them aspirin or paracetamol, as these medications can actually worsen the condition rather than help.
With proper care, you can fully recover or help someone else recover from heat exhaustion. Recognising the symptoms and acting early can also stop it from progressing to heat stroke. Planning for hot weather ahead of time can help reduce your risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
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