With the temperatures rising it is a good time to remind people about heat emergencies.

Certain people are more susceptible to heat  emergencies. Babies, children and the elderly and those with chronic illnesses such as heart diseases are less able to sweat and adjust to changes in temperature. 

Those who spend a lot of time in the sun and heat such as outdoor workers need to be aware of how to protect themselves and recognize heat emergencies.

Heat cramps are mild muscle contractions that can become severe. This a first sign that the body's core temperature is rising. Remove the person from the heat and gently cool them down. 

Those with heat exhaustion will have a moist skin that is redder or paler than normal. They may also have nausea, dizziness or weakness. Remove the person the heat, fan them to gradually cool them down. They should also take sips of cool water. 

In heat stroke the body has lost it's ability to cool itself down. A person will no longer sweat and may exhibit irritable, bizarre or aggressive behaviour. This is a medical emergency and EMS/911 should be called. Since the person can no longer cool themselves down they need to be sponged down with cool water or ice packs.

As an Authorized Training Provider of the Canadian Red Cross, all First Aid Ottawa Standard and Emergency First Aid courses are recognized by WSIB and its Federal counterpart the Canada Labour code. Visit us online at www.FirstAidOttawa.com or at 613-225-2727.

Did You Know? Dealing with the Heat

To avoid heat-related illnesses, you should:

ñ Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water and avoid caffeine and alcohol

ñ Avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors

ñ Avoid direct exposure to the sun and seek shade and shelter at the first signs of heat exposure

ñ Wear lightweight and loose clothing

ñ Spend at least two hours a day in an air-conditioned location, including shopping malls, local libraries or neighbourhood community centres

ñ Never leave children, the elderly or pets unattended in a car, even with the windows partly rolled down

As an Authorized Training Provider of the Canadian Red Cross, all First Aid Ottawa Standard and Emergency First Aid courses are recognized by WSIB and its Federal counterpart the Canada Labour code. Visit us online at www.FirstAidOttawa.com or at 613-225-2727.

Did You Know? Escaping Summer Heat

The Canadian Red Cross has the following tips to help individuals stay cool:

    * Avoid being outdoors in the hottest part of the day.  If you must go out, try going out in the early morning or later evening hours when the sun is not as strong.

    * Work and exercise in brief periods.

    * Take frequent breaks.

    * Dress in light, loose clothing. Wear a hat.

    * Drink plenty of cool fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.

                             

Many groups are vulnerable to the heat, particularly, the elderly, young children, and those who work, exercise and live outdoors. A few hours in the warm temperatures can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. For those who do not have air conditioning, the Red Cross recommends going to a local shopping mall or library to take a break from the heat.

With the temperatures rising, many families will head to pools and local beaches to cool off. The Red Cross is also reminding parents to supervise their children at all times, and have an action plan in case there is an emergency.

As an Authorized Training Provider of the Canadian Red Cross, all First Aid Ottawa Standard and Emergency First Aid courses are recognized by WSIB and its Federal counterpart the Canada Labour code.  Visit us online at www.FirstAidOttawa.com or at 613-225-2727.

Did You Know?: Summer Heat Safety

Most of Ontario is experiencing its first heat wave of the year and the Canadian Red Cross is encouraging residents to stay safe whether it’s in the warm sun or cooling off in the water.

Many groups are vulnerable to the heat, including the elderly, young children, and those who work, exercise and live outdoors. A few hours in the high temperatures can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. For those who do not have air conditioning, the Red Cross recommends going to a local shopping mall or library to take a break from the heat.

The Canadian Red Cross also has the following tips to help individuals stay safe during extreme heat:

Avoid being outdoors in the hottest part of the day.  If you must go out, try to do so in the early morning or later evening hours when the sun is not as strong, work and exercise in brief periods, take frequent breaks, dress in light, loose clothing, wear a hat and drink plenty of cool fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.

As an Authorized Training Provider of the Canadian Red Cross, all First Aid Ottawa Standard and Emergency First Aid courses are recognized by WSIB and its Federal counterpart the Canada Labour code.  Visit us online at www.FirstAidOttawa.com or at 613-225-2727.