What to do when a heatwave strikes

12 Nov 2009, 11:06 pm   -   Source: SBS
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St John Ambulance Training Officer Lisa Martin gives us an insight into how to better protect ourselves from heat injuries this summer.

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With temperatures set to soar this summer, some cities may experience heat waves.

A heat wave is referred to as a prolonged period of excessively hot weather which is often accompanied by high humidity. Severe heat waves have eradicated crops, caused widespread power outages and killed thousands from hyperthermia

St Johns Ambulance Training Officer Lisa Martin tells us how we can better prepare ourselves for a scorching summer.

"To protect ourselves from heat stress and other stress related illness, it's best to really stay out of the sun as much as possible when the temperature gets to that extreme", says Ms Martin.

When the mercury rises, it's also advised to keep up your hydration levels.

"Keep the fluids up, and when we say fluids we mean things like water or electrolyte drinks in hot days".

Ms Martin says beverages like coffee and alcohol act as a diuretic and can often make you more dehydrated.

"At the start we have heat exhaustion… you feel very lethargic, head aches start, you're very tired, there's nausea and you will be starting to sweat profusely, so if you don't monitor yourself and stop what you're doing… that can lead to heat stroke".

Find out more on surviving the summer heat waves here.
 

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