THE HSE has warned people to watch out for the little-known signs of heatstroke that they may notice when they are tired.
As temperatures soar to 26°C in Ireland this week, the public are reminded to stay safe in the sun.
As the weather heats up, it’s important to remember that higher temperatures can impact our health and wellbeing.
This week, Ireland is set to get as warm as Spain, with mercury rising to 26°C.
With this sun also comes the risk of heat exhaustion, which, if left untreated, can result in hospitalisation.
The HSE said: “Heat exhaustion is not usually serious if you can cool down within 30 minutes.
“If it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency.”
Everyone is at risk of getting one of these two illnesses as the weather gets brighter.
But it is recommended to keep an extra close eye on those who are more at risk of heatstroke or exhaustion.
Children, the elderly, and anyone with long-term heart problems like diabetes are all to be kept extra safe in the sun this summer.
Symptoms are often the same in adults and children. But children may become irritable and sleepy.
If someone is showing any of these signs, they need to be cooled down and given fluids as soon as possible.
What are the signs of heat exhsution and heatstroke?
As temperatures rise to over 26C this week, people are at risk of getting heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
But how can you know you are suffering and what signs can you check for to catch it early?
Many signs can include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness and confusion
- Loss of appetite and feeling sick
- Heat rash
- Excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin – a change in skin colour can be harder to see on brown and black skin
- Cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
- Fast breathing or a fast pulse
- High temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above
- Being very thirsty
The HSE has listed many ways for the public to help themselves or someone else cool down this week.
There are four main things you can do if someone has heat exhaustion, like moving them to a cool place or simply removing unnecessary clothing items.
You should also get them to drink plenty of water or a sports or rehydration drink.
Or cool their skin using a spray or sponge with water and fan them, as well as using cold packs around the armpits or neck.
According to the HSE, you should stay with them until they have shown signs of a lower temperature.
They should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes.
When should you call 112/999 or go to your nearest emergency department ?
Heat exhaustion can turn into a more deadly illness known as heatstroke.
But how do you know when to call 112, 999 or go to your nearest emergency department?
If you or someone else has any signs of heatstroke, such as:
- Feeling unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place and drinking plenty of water
- Not sweating even while feeling too hot
- Very high temperature of 40 degrees Celsius or above
- Fast breathing or shortness of breath
- Feeling confused
- A fit (seizure)
- Loss of consciousness
- Not being responsive
Heatstroke can be very serious if not treated quickly.
And you should always put the person in the recovery position if they lose consciousness while you’re waiting for help.
There’s a high risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke during hot weather or exercise.
To help prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke:
- Drink plenty of cold drinks, especially when exercising
- Take cool baths or showers
- Wear light-coloured, loose clothing
- sprinkle water over your skin or clothes
- Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm
- Avoid excess alcohol
- Avoid extreme exercise
