Ambulance Victoria is urging the community to take precautions against dehydration and other heat related conditions as temperatures are set to soar today.<\/p>\n
Ambulance Victoria\u2019s Director of Emergency Management, Justin Dunlop said while it\u2019s been a reasonably cool start to summer, Wednesday and Friday will be very hot and may catch many off guard.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are 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, most vulnerable in this weather,\u201d Mr Dunlop said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Mr Dunlop said even fit people can be knocked around in the heat and encouraged everyone to follow some simple but effective ways to stay cool including:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Drinking plenty of fluids, preferably cool water, regularly throughout the day \u2013 don\u2019t wait until you\u2019re thirsty. If plain water bores you, add some slices of lemon, cucumber or mint.<\/p>\n \u2022 If you drink alcohol, drink responsibly. Alcohol causes faster dehydration and compounds other problems.<\/p>\n \u2022 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 .<\/p>\n \u2022 Taking cool showers, soaking feet in water or wearing a wet bandana or washer around your neck.<\/p>\n \u2022 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.<\/p>\n \u2022 Checking the colour of your urine to ensure you are well-hydrated \u2013 it should be clear to light straw-coloured, not dark or gold.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cOf course, if you can\u2019t avoid the sun, always wear sunscreen. If you\u2019re outdoors for any length of time, find some shade and cool off periodically and seek shade to avoid sunburn and heatstroke,\u201d Mr Dunlop said.<\/p>\n \u201cHeatstroke 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is why it\u2019s so important to check on elderly neighbours as they are more prone to heatstroke and are often the last people to call us when they\u2019re in trouble. Air-conditioning and fans can make a real difference.\u201d<\/p>\n Mr Dunlop said he also wants to remind the community to keep a close eye on children, particularly around water and never leave kids in cars \u2013 the temperature can double in minutes.<\/p>\n \u201cThe worst calls we can get as paramedics are to backyard drownings so please wear a life jacket when near or in water, and never swim alone. Water makes anything slippery and carelessness around pools and other wet surfaces can lead to slips, falls or more serious consequences,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cThis heatwave is likely to continue on and off over the coming weeks and we have made sure we have adequate clinical and support staff available to provide the appropriate level of care and response.<\/p>\n \u201cPlanning allows us to make sure people are informed on how to minimise the impact of the heat and to ensure the most vulnerable in our community receive care.\u201d<\/p>\n Mr Dunlop also reminded people that Ambulances are for emergencies.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile no one will ever be turned away if they call for assistance, people ringing 000 for minor ailments will be redirected to other services, so please use 000 wisely,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cIf your medical problem can be dealt with by an alternative source including GPs, pharmacies and dentists, our advice is to see them.<\/p>\n \u201cOur workforce do a superb job under pressure and our community can be very proud of the way they – and wider hospital and health system staff – work together to deliver such a consistently high standard of care during such a busy period.<\/p>\n \u201cI strongly encourage people to take proper care of themselves, their loved ones and others during both this week and across the festive season as no one wants to spend their school holidays in the back of an ambulance.\u201d<\/p>\n For more information on staying healthy during the heat please visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au\/heat.<\/p>\n