With many of us are holidaying in the UK this summer and the weather improving, we cannot underestimate the strength of the sun in the UK. It is important to keep children hydrated (including ice lollies!) to ward off heat exhaustion and heat stroke (a potentially life threatening condition) and rest during the hottest part of the day 12:00 – 3:00pm.
Heat exhaustion is more common than you think – its best to keep an eye on active teenagers, children and young adults as they may not recognise the symptoms. This is a disorder caused by loss of salt and water from the body due to excessive sweating.
Things to look out for:
- Headache, dizziness and confusion
- Loss of appetite and nausea
- Sweating with pale, clammy skin
- Rapid, weakening pulse and breathing
- Cramps in the arms, legs and tummy
First Aid – Get them to a cool place and lay them down with legs raised. Give plenty of water and/or Oralyte (for ages 2 years and up)
If they seem to respond quickly, it’s important that they see a doctor.
Dial 999/112 for an ambulance and place in recovery position if they deteriorate.