Those of us from the UK are not accustomed to such extreme heat in September and it´s quite common for the newly arrived´s to end up suffering from heat exhaustion or sunstroke as they try to do too much out in the sun.
HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEATSTROKE
As the summer drags on, lots of people are out on the beach, riding their bikes and generally partaking in outdoor activities.
We need to be aware of how this temperature change can affect our bodies, and be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Heat Exhaustion
Is caused by a loss of salt and water from the body through excessive sweating. It usually develops gradually and affects people who are not acclimatized to hot, humid conditions just like we have here in Spain. People who are unwell with illnesses that cause vomiting and diarrhea, are more susceptible than overs to developing heat exhaustion.
A dangerous and common cause of heat exhaustion occurs when the body produces more heat than it can cope with.
Recognition
Headache, dizziness and confusion, loss of appetite and nausea
Sweating, with pale, clammy skin, cramps in abdomen or arms and legs
Rapid, weakening pulse and breathing
Your Aims
To cool the casualty down
To replace lost body fluids and salts
To obtain medical help if necessary
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is different this is caused by a failure of the thermostat in the brain which regulates body temperature. The body becomes dangerously overheated, usually due to a high fever or prolonged exposure to heat. In some cases heatstroke follows heat exhaustion when sweating stops and the body the can not be cooled down by the evaporation of sweat.
Heatstroke can develop with little warning, resulting in unconsciousness within minutes of the casualty feeling unwell.
Recognition
Headache, dizziness and discomfort, restlessness and confusion
Hot, flushed and dry skin, rapid deterioration in the level of response
Full bounding pulse, Body temperature above 40 degrees
Your aim
To lower the casualty's body temperature as quickly as possible
To arrange urgent removal to hospital
Caution
If the casualty loses consciousness, open the airway and check breathing.
Take care in the sun this summer look after yourselves,, drink plenty of water, wear a hat and use sun cream.
Sue Smith is a fully qualified first aid trainer, having also worked as an Army physical fitness instructor, she´s had a lot of experience dealing with medical issues first hand. She works in the Mazarrón area running Keep Fit classes and also undertakes face to face and on-line first aid training.
If you´d like to learn more about on-line first aid training, go to http://www.frontline-first-aid-training.co.uk/for online first aid course information.
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