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Handling heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Recognising the symptoms is a good way to start dealing with the problem
Those of us from the UK are not accustomed to the extreme heat in Spain and it´s quite common for those who have only recently moved to Spain and those visiting on holiday to underestimate the danger of hot sun and end up suffering from burns, heat exhaustion or sunstroke.
Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, and during the first few days of any holiday extreme caution should be undertaken as summer temperatures in this part of Spain are regularly around the mid 30's.Suncream, hats and covering vulnerable body parts is very important, as is drinking plenty of water and avoiding over-exposure to the sun, particularly when sensitive UK skins meet hot Spanish temperatures.
HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEATSTROKE
Heat Exhaustion
Is caused by a loss of salt and water from the body through excessive sweating. It usually develops gradually and affects people who are not acclimatized to the hot, humid conditions we have here in Spain. Those who are unwell with illnesses that cause vomiting and diarrhea, are more susceptible than others to developing heat exhaustion.
A dangerous and common cause of heat exhaustion occurs when the body produces more heat than it can cope with, and this often happens when undertaking strenuous exercise or running around playing in the hot sun.
Recognition
Headache, dizziness and confusion, loss of appetite and nausea
Sweating, with pale, clammy skin, cramps in abdomen or arms and legs
Rapid, weakening pulse and breathing
What to do.
Cool the casualty down as quickly as possible.
Move into the shade, remove excess clothing, cool down with water. Please note, it is not a good idea to immerse patients in coldwater as this can shock the body: use lukewarm water to spray or immerse instead.
To replace lost body fluids and salts: give only water to drink
To obtain medical help if necessary
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is different. This is caused by a failure of the thermostat in the brain which regulates body temperature. The body becomes dangerously overheated, usually due to a high fever or prolonged exposure to heat. In some cases heatstroke follows heat exhaustion when sweating stops and the body the cannot be cooled down by the evaporation of sweat.
Heatstroke can develop with little warning, resulting in unconsciousness within minutes of the casualty feeling unwell.
Recognition
Headache, dizziness and discomfort, restlessness and confusion
Hot, flushed and dry skin, rapid deterioration in the level of response
Full bounding pulse, Body temperature above 40 degrees
Your aim
To lower the casualty's body temperature as quickly as possible, again, do NOT immerse in cold water as this can cause shock.
To arrange urgent removal to hospital or an emergency medical centre.
Call 112 for Emergency services.
Caution
If the casualty loses consciousness, open the airway and check breathing.
A study undertaken by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, has shown that the mortality rate in the over 75’s increases by 20,1% for every one degree increase in temperatures over 36,5 degrees.
In the last major heatwave suffered across Europe in 2003, 70,000 deaths were directly attributed to the intense heat, and in Spain alone, 3.166 people over the age of 65 died as a direct result of the high temperatures.
The organization highlights the importance of maintaining hydration, drinking plenty of liquids, avoid direct exposure to the sun, avoid physical exercise between the hours of 12 midday and 4pm when the heat is at its most intense , stay in the shade, wear suncream, sunglasses and a hat if venturing into the sun and wearing lightweight clothing.
It is also important to avoid shocks to the body, and understand the importance of not jumping into very cold water after baking in the sun for a prolonged period. Many of the drownings which occur every summer in swimming pools and in the sea are due to this shock when the victim loses consciousness or becomes dizzy.
The association recommends that anyone suffering from the effects of heat should be taken to a cooler spot, clothing loosened and attempts made to lower the body temperature. They warn against immersing in cold water, but advise that lukewarm water should be used instead so as not to shock the body.
They also recommend anyone visibly suffering from the effects of heat should be given professional medical assistance, or taken to an emergency medical centre.
Swimming pools
Every year there are avoidable tragedies as many young people die in family swimming pools. It is so easy to forget how dangerous these are particularly when on holiday.
These are some of the simplest safety measures to bear in mind around the pool and hopefully avoid tragedies of this nature:
1. Children should never use the pool alone, and should always ask for permission before going into the water.
2. Young children should always use armbands and other inflatable floats.
3. Don’t allow small children to play on the edge of the pool, the steps or the slide: one slip and they can be in serious trouble.
4. Allow a couple of hours after eating before swimming to avoid indigestion and stomach cramps.
5. Don’t leave toys in the pool: small children sometimes jump in to get them.
6. Small children should always use the shallow end, preferably being able to stand on the bottom.
7. Try to teach your children to swim as early as possible!
8. Always leave a float in the water to give something to hold onto
To which it must be added for the more mature:
1. Remember, going from hot sun to cold wáter can shock the body , which can have an adverse effect for those on certain types of medication
2. Don´t bathe alone, even as an adult, spells of dizziness, or fainting can result in drowning.
3. Take extra care with slippery floor tiles
4. Never use glass bottles or glasses around a pool
5. More accidents take place around the pool than in it, so be careful leaving clothing, toys, and anything would could provoke a trip or slip near to the water’s edge.
And if choosing a beach with young children or the more mature who intend to bathe, pick one with a lifeguard: there are plenty to choose from.