Stay Safe in the Heat

WITH hot weather also comes more ambulance call outs and local paramedics are imploring the community to take care of each other.

Today the temperature is expected to reach 39 degrees, tomorrow 41 and will remain in the high 30s peaking again on Tuesday in the 40s.

Mark Bell, station manager at Scone Ambulance said not to hesitate to call them if you are unwell during the heat.

“Heat can exacerbate many underlying health issues and in some cases can lead to a heart attack,” said Mr Bell.

“When you are dehydrated it can also change the effectiveness of medications and often make them more potent,” he said.

“People need to take the signs of heat exposure seriously and call us,” he said.

“You might feel dizzy, tired, have loss of appetite, irritable, thirsty, have cramps and your urine may be darker,” he said.

“To stay hydrated you need to be drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day and for every 10 drinks of water have a sports drink,” he said.

“If you need to do activities like the shopping or work in the yard do it early in the morning, not in the heat of the day,” he said.

“We find especially older ladies still wear stockings and petticoats, because that is what they have always worn, but as you get older your body doesn’t compensate for the heat as well, your kidneys don’t cope and so it’s important to dress in cooler clothing,” he said.

“The main message is to call us if you are unwell and don’t wait for things to get worse, the best outcome for everyone is we get called out and it is something minor,” Mark Bell said.

Animals also need to stay cool and hydrated, make sure the have access to plenty of water and shade.