With another run of very hot days on the way, local paramedics have stressed the importance of taking every possible precaution to avoid falling victim to the heat.
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Weatherzone’s forecast is for tops of 38 to 41 degrees from today through to at least next Tuesday, peaking at 41 on Friday.
It’s on the back of an already unrelenting January heatwave, not a single day topping at less than 36.8 degrees all month.
Most days have reached at least 38 degrees; the hottest coming on January 16, according to the service, which recorded a top of 43.5.
Paramedic Hayley Hausfeld said the most important focus for locals, no matter their age or activity level, was to prevent dehydration.
“Make sure you keep up your fluids; small amounts of water over the whole day – not big amounts in the morning and nothing else during the day,” Ms Hausfeld said.
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She said the recommended amount of water most adults needed per day was 2 litres.
The paramedics said a common misconception was that any fluids would do, but they said tea, coffee and sweet drinks could actually cause dehydration.
“Even the smallest amount of caffeine in tea basically discounts the amount of water that’s in there,” Ms Hausfeld said.
She said early signs of dehydration could be seen in urine colour – it should be clear.
“If it’s starting to get into that dark yellow colour, then you’re definitely looking at getting into dehydration,” she said.
Ms Hausfeld also said using airconditioning was important, but for those who didn’t have it or were concerned about their electricity bill, intensive care specialist paramedic Peter Patterson offered an alternative.
“If you don’t have airconditioning, use wet towels to cool yourself down,” Mr Patterson said.
The paramedics said cutting down on physical exertion and staying indoors during the hottest parts of the day between 10am-5pm would also help.
Other symptoms of dehydration include headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, concentration loss and loss of co-ordination.
“The most important thing is to get water into someone who is showing those signs, especially the elderly,” Ms Hausfeld said.
“If you have an elderly neighbour who may not be coping as well, make sure you check on them and ensure they’ve got their airconditioning on.”
Jessica Worboys
Education and youth reporter at the Northern Daily Leader. Get in touch via jessica.worboys@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Education and youth reporter at the Northern Daily Leader. Get in touch via jessica.worboys@austcommunitymedia.com.au
