Hot weather is a lot of fun but does bring some health risks with it. (File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Rob Mahon

Avoiding Heat Stroke

Stay hydrated: Parkland Ambulance warns of heat illness risk

Jul 12, 2022 | 3:03 PM

In the dead of winter, we might find ourselves wishing for the kind of weather Prince Albert is in for this week. At the moment, however, there are some safety concerns to keep in mind when dealing with the hottest temperatures of the year so far.

With the city in the midst of a heat warning and another one possibly ahead this weekend, Parkland Ambulance is reminding people to take care in the hot weather. Heat-related illnesses do start to become a concern when temperatures get this high.

“When you’re outside, a big hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, find some shade, grab a good book and a hammock, whatever it is for you to kick back and relax,” said Lyle Karasiuk, director of public affairs with Parkland Ambulance. “But please, stay hydrated.”

According to Karasiuk, staying hydrated is the number one safety measure for preventing heat related illness. Staying hydrated, he emphasized, refers specifically to water and not beer or pop.

“Those don’t serve to hydrate you,” said Karasiuk. “They in fact dehydrate you and make things work. A nice cool slushie drink or ice cream is a great treat, don’t rely on that for your primary source of hydration. Those are the first and foremost things we want to remind folks of.”

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Not everyone has the ability to pick and choose when they’re outside, however, as many people are outdoors for work. Even in that instance, there are steps Karasiuk wants people to take to lower the risk of heat exhaustion or stroke.

“Remember to take frequent breaks, stay hydrated as well, and try to find a cool shaded area somewhere when you are taking those breaks,” Karasiuk said. “Above all, we want to keep pushing the message, drink plenty of water, and stay hydrated.”

If someone does start to suffer from dehydration or heat illness, getting them out of the heat and hydrated is step one in treating them. The signs of heat exhaustion will be there.

“I might feel dizzy, lightheaded,” said Karasiuk. “I might feel a little bit of cramping in my arms or legs, and oddly enough, dark-colored urine. The darker the urine, the less water we’re taking.”

More serious symptoms show the more dehydrated you get. Dizziness may grow worse, and you might feel nauseous, or have extremely dry skin with a bright-red flushed appearance. Someone suffering from a heat emergency may even pass out.

“If even after a cool shower and a few hours you’re still vomiting at home, you’d better get yourself some medical help,” Karasiuk said. “That means calling paramedics or your family physician.”

Karasiuk added it’s important to keep a close eye on very young children who might not be able to as easily communicate their distress if they’re overheated. He also said the first day or two of a heatwave isn’t typically when they see emergency calls, but if it lasts four or five days they’ll start to see more.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP