Keep your cool when temperatures flare, urges Welsh Ambulance Service
Friday, 19 July, 2013
THE Welsh Ambulance Service is calling on members of the public to take extra care in the sun as high temperatures are set to continue for several more days.
Heat can affect everyone, but some people run a greater risk of serious harm, including older people, babies and children, people with mental health problems, people with a serious chronic condition and people on certain medication.
Common health complaints brought on by the hot weather include breathing difficulties and chest pains, as well as alcohol-related injuries. Chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma, can also be made worse by the heat and a high pollen count.
Andrew Jenkins, Deputy Director of Medical and Clinical Servicesat the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “High temperatures can make people ill. In a severe heatwave you may get dehydrated and your body may overheat, leading to heat exhaustion or heatstroke. For people with certain conditions, the consequences can be severe or potentially fatal. The last thing we want to do is stop people enjoying the wonderful weather, but we must ask everyone to use common sense and not put themselves and others at risk.”The service saw a hike in calls last weekend. Across Wales there was a nine per cent increase in calls against forecast activity. The service took 1,068 emergency calls on Saturday, and 1,028 calls on Sunday.
Andrew added: “It is fair to say that the weather has affected all the demand across Wales. We would really appreciate if people would be considerate when dialling 999, and only do so in life-threatening situations. NHS Direct Wales, GP out-of-hours and pharmacies are all available for help and support with less serious injuries and illnesses.”
NHS Direct Wales, which is part of the Welsh Ambulance Service, has issued some simple advice to help people cope in the heat.
Stay out of the heat:
• Keep out of the sun between 11.00am and 3.00pm• Avoid extreme physical exertion• Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes• If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat and light scarf
Cool yourself down:
• Have plenty of cold drinks, but avoid caffeine and alcohol• Eat cold foods, particularly salads and moist fruit• Take a cool shower, bath or body wash• Sprinkle water over your skin or clothing, or place a damp cloth on the back of your neck
Keep your surroundings cool:
• Keep windows and curtains that are in the sun closed during the day, and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped• Think about putting up external shading outside windows• Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment as they generate heat• Keep indoor plants and bowls of water in the house as evaporation helps cool the air• If possible, move into a cooler room, especially for sleeping
Look out for others:
• Keep an eye on isolated, elderly, ill or very young people and make sure they are able to keep cool• Ensure that babies, children or elderly people are not left alone in stationary cars• Check on elderly or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during a heatwave• Be alert and call a doctor or social services if someone is unwell or further help is needed
UV Safe cards are available to post out free of charge from NHS Direct Wales. The wallet-sized cards will indicate the level of sun exposure to warn against harmful UV rays.
If you would like to receive a UV Safe Card e-mail ppi.team@wales.nhs.uk including your full name and address.
