With the temperature expected to reach 38 degrees today with the humidity, the Health Department has advice on how to identify and prevent heat-related illnesses.
Symptoms of heat stress can include dizziness, muscle cramps, nausea, and rapid breathing and heartbeat.
Heat stroke, meanwhile, is a medical emergency, and symptoms include stopping sweating, confusion or agitation and a body temperature above 40 degrees Celsius.
If you believe someone has heat stroke, you should call 911 immediately and get them medical attention.
In the meantime, people suffering from heat stress or stroke should be moved to a cool location, given plenty of water, and have unnecessary clothing removed.
If possible they should be moved to a space with air conditioning, or given a cool shower or bath.
Splashing cool water on the back of the neck and the face can also help alleviate symptoms.
The Health Department warns everyone should remember to drink hydrating fluids throughout the entire day, before you become thirsty.
Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages are not recommended, as they can interfere with the body’s ability to cool itself, and contribute to dehydration.
More details on how to identify and prevent heat-related illnesses can be found HERE.
