Beat the heat this week

WITH the Bellarine Peninsula expecting peak temperatures over 40C this week, Ambulance Victoria wants residents to take care when the predicted heatwave arrives.

Justin Dunlop, Ambulance Victoria’s Director of Emergency Management, said asking the community to be mindful of the impact heat has on them but also their neighbours, with infants, the elderly, expecting and breastfeeding mothers and people with some pre-existing medical conditions, the most vulnerable.

“With dry, windy and close to 40 degree days predicted, we want everyone to be alert to the symptoms of heat-related illnesses which include heat rash, muscle cramps, heavy sweating, paleness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and fainting,” he said.

Mr Dunlop said even fit people can suffer in the heat and encouraged everyone to follow simple but effective ways to stay cool, including:

• Drinking plenty of fluids, preferably cool water, regularly throughout the day – don’t wait until you’re thirsty. If plain water bores you, add some slices of lemon, cucumber or mint.
• If you drink alcohol, drink responsibly. Alcohol causes faster dehydration and compounds other problems.
• Limiting strenuous outdoor activity and stay indoors when possible, preferably in a building with air-conditioning or good air flow taking time to adjust to the temperature .
• Taking cool showers, soaking feet in water or wearing a wet bandana or washer around your neck.
• Reduce the risk of food poisoning from food left outside too long. Warmer temperatures allow more rapid bacterial growth in foods if they are left out of the fridge, and
• Checking the colour of your urine to ensure you are well-hydrated – it should be clear to light straw-coloured, not dark or gold.

“Of course, if you can’t avoid the sun, always wear sunscreen. If you’re outdoors for any length of time, find some shade and cool off periodically and seek shade to avoid sunburn and heatstroke,” Mr Dunlop said.

“Heatstroke is a serious illness and requires immediate medical attention. If you experience symptoms including an extremely high body temperature, flushed dry skin, a rapid pulse, headache or disorientation, we ask you to call 000.”