SECAmb offers hot weather advice

23 July 2012

With summer weather finally arriving this week, South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) is reminding people to be sensible and take appropriate measures to stay safe in the sun.

Temperatures are forecast to reach as high as 30 degrees in the coming days. The sun has arrived in time for the school holidays and the Olympics with the Olympic road cycling races and time trials speeding through Surrey from Saturday 28 July. However, the warmer weather also brings with it a likely increase in certain calls for the ambulance service.

Calls relating to sunburn, dehydration and heat stroke typically increase although many of these calls can be avoided if some simple precautions are taken.

High temperatures can also seriously affect people with long-term conditions such as heart conditions or high blood pressure. SECAmb is urging these people to be equally cautious during the hot weather.

Head of Contingency, Planning and Resilience at SECAmb Andy Cashman said: “It’s great that the summer seems to have arrived and of course people are going to be keen to get out and enjoy the warmer weather while it lasts. We’d simply ask that they are sensible and cover up and use sun cream, drink plenty of water and use their common sense.

“We’ve got a fantastic few sporting weeks ahead of us starting with the Olympic cycling coming through Surrey this coming weekend and people should plan their days out well in advance. If people are travelling up to London or elsewhere for any events they should also plan their route well ahead of the day and drink plenty of fluid to stay cool.”

SECAmb tips for staying safe and cool this summer

Stay in the shade or indoors. The sun is at its most dangerous between 11am and 3pm. Find shade under umbrellas, trees or canopies. It is worth remembering that the temperature is at least a couple of degrees cooler if you are by water.
Use sunscreen and cover up. If you can't avoid being out in the sun apply sunscreen (factor 15+) and wear a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses.
Increase your fluid intake. The normal recommended daily intake of fluid is 2.5 litres or 8 glasses per day. In extreme heat experts recommend you drink more and include a range of different fluids.
Keep your home cool. Keep windows closed while the room is cooler than it is outside. Open them when the temperature inside rises, and at night for ventilation.
Look after the elderly. Older people are more prone to the effects of heat. If you have older relatives or neighbours you can help simply by checking on them and reminding them to drink plenty and often. Also help them to keep their house as cool as possible, using a fan if necessary.
Protect children. Keep a close eye on young children, who need plenty of fluids. A good way to check if they are drinking enough is that they are passing urine regularly and that it is not too dark. You should check nappies regularly. Babies and the very young must be kept out of the sun.
Avoid excessive physical exertion. If you are taking physical exercise you need to drink half a litre of fluid at least half an hour beforehand and continue to replenish your fluids after exercising.
Know the perils of outdoor eating. Warm summer weather is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria so it is especially important to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold until you are ready to eat them. When barbecuing always make sure you cook meat until it is piping hot, none of it is pink and all juices run clear.
- Be sensible with alcohol. Hot weather speeds up the effects of alcohol so extra care should be taken when drinking. Alcohol will lead to dehydration so make sure that you alternate alcoholic drinks with water or fruit juice.
Keep cool at work. The office is often the coolest place to be in a heat wave. Ask your boss for air-conditioning or fans and open windows where possible. Keep windows shaded with blinds and if possible move your working position out of direct sunlight. Have plenty of breaks during the day to get cold drinks and cool down.

Remember, heat stroke can kill. It can develop very suddenly and rapidly lead to unconsciousness. If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke call 999 immediately.

While waiting for the ambulance you should follow the instructions given to you by the ambulance call taker. The following can also help someone suffering from heat stroke:

· If possible, move the person somewhere cooler.

· Increase ventilation by opening windows or using a fan.

· Cool the patient down as quickly as possibly by loosening their clothes, sprinkling them with cold water or wrapping them in a damp sheet.

· If they are conscious, give them water or fruit juice to drink.

· Do not give them aspirin or paracetamol.

If you need medical advice or treatment you can:

· Talk to a pharmacist

· Call NHS Direct (0845 4647) – 24 hours or visit http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/

· Visit your GP surgery or Minor Injury Unit