Sunstroke and heat illnesses

HCF - Stay Fit and Well

Extreme temperatures or simply exposure to too much sun can have serious effects. Here’s a guide to the symptoms of heat-related conditions and how to treat them.

Everyone should take extra care during very hot weather but some people are more at risk of being badly affected, South Australia's Department of Health warns. These include the elderly and very young, as well as pregnant women and people with medical conditions or on medications that limit their ability to sweat.
Heat illnesses range from easily managed to life threatening, so it's important to be able to recognise them and respond appropriately.

Dehydration symptoms include profuse sweating and being thirsty. Immediate treatment includes:

• moving into a cool, shaded place
• drinking fluids other than caffeine and alcohol
• using a fan or spray bottle of water to keep cool.

Heat cramps symptoms include muscle spasms and cool, moist skin. Immediate treatment includes:

• moving into a cool, shaded place
• lying down with legs slightly elevated
• drinking fluids other than caffeine and alcohol
• using a fan or spray bottle of water to keep cool or having a cool shower
• massaging gently to relieve muscle spasms
• massaging firmly if cramped and apply ice packs.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include high temperature, cold, clammy pale skin and possible nausea and vomiting. Immediate treatment is:

• moving into a cool, shaded place
• lying down with legs slightly elevated
• drinking fluids other than caffeine and alcohol
• use cool packs in the armpits, groin or back of the neck to reduce temperature. 

This is a very dangerous condition and you should seek medical assistance urgently if symptoms persist.