As the great British summer continues with its usual unpredictability, leading first aid charity St John Ambulance is issuing summer first aid advice – whatever the weather!
First, how to deal with heat exhaustion:
• A casualty with heat exhaustion may become dizzy and confused, have a headache, loss of appetite and nausea. They may complain of cramps in the arms, legs or abdomen and may be seating with pale, clammy skin and their pulse and breathing may become rapid
• Help the casualty to a cool place out of the sun, preferably indoors
• Lay the casualty down and raise and support their legs
• Provide plenty of water to drink and, if available use re-hydration salts or isotonic sports drinks to help with salt replacement
• Even if the casualty recovers quickly, advise them to seek medical help
• If the casualty’s breathing and response worsens call 999/112 for medical help.
• Symptoms of heatstroke can include a headache, dizziness, restlessness, confusion and discomfort. The casualty might be flushed with hot, dry skin, have a bounding pulse and a high temperature, above 40°C(104°F)
• Help the casualty to a cool place and remove their outer clothing
• Call 999/112 for emergency help
• Wrap the casualty in a cold, wet sheet and keep the sheet wet until the temperature returns to normal
• Once the temperature returns to normal, replace the wet sheet with a dry one
• Monitor vital signs, level of response, breathing, pulse and temperature until medical help arrives. If the temperature rises again, repeat the cooling process.
And at the other end of the weather scale, dealing with hypothermia:
• A casualty with hypothermia may be shivering and pale with cold, dry skin. They may become disoriented, apathetic, lethargic or irrational
• Breathing may become slow and shallow and the pulse slow and weakening
• In extreme cases the heart might stop
• Move the casualty to a sheltered place, preferably indoors
• Remove any wet clothing and provide dry clothing or blankets and cover their head. Don’t give the casualty your own clothes
• If outdoors, provide a layer of insulation between the casualty and the ground and shelter them from the wind
• Call 999/112 for emergency help. If you need to send someone for help, make sure someone stays with the casualty at all times
• If possible, give the casualty warm drinks and high energy foods such as chocolate. Do not give the casualty alcohol as this can make the condition worse
• The casualty must be re-warmed gradually
For those looking for quick, easily accessible first aid information, the St John Ambulance app is available free on smartphones and the website offers demo videos, an interactive game, and lots of free advice. For more information about first aid courses please call 0844 770 4800
