ST JOHN Cymru Wales, the country’s leading first aid charity, is offering advice as the heat wave causes a rise in people going to A&E units.

Parts of the UK are now experiencing a level two heat health watch, with temperatures expected to continue at heat wave thresholds of 28-30 degrees Celsius.

Weather forecasters predict that the warm weather is likely to continue well into next week (week commencing 22 July).

St John Wales is reminding people to be sensible and take precautions.

St John Wales Chief Executive Keith Dunn said, “We’d like to remind people to wear appropriate clothing, make sure they apply sunscreen regularly during the day and stay out of the strong midday sun. I’d also like to remind people to drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated.

“Sunburn, heatstroke and heat exhaustion can be fatal. If you suspect a friend or loved one is suffering from any of these symptoms, move them out of the sun immediately. If the casualty remains unwell, seek urgent medical attention.”

St John has issued the following advice:

Common health complaints and treatments

DEHYDRATION

Symptoms
• Dry mouth and dry eyes
• Dry and / or cracked lips
• Headaches
• Dizziness & confusion
• Dark urine
• Reduction in the amount of urine passed
• Cramp
• In babies and young children, pale skin with sunken eyes

Treatment
1. Reassure the casualty. Help them to sit down.
2. Give them plenty of fluids to drink. Water is usually sufficient but oral rehydration solutions can help with salt replacement.
3. If the casualty is suffering from cramp, stretch and massage the affected muscles. Advise the casualty to rest
4. Monitor and record the casualty’s condition. If they remain unwell, seek medical advice immediately.

SUNBURN

Symptoms
• Reddened skin
• Pain in the area of the burn
• Blistering of the affected skin

Treatment
1. Cover the casualty’s skin with light clothing or a towel. Help them to move out of the sun or, if at all possible, indoors.
2. Encourage the casualty to have frequent sips of cold water. Cool the affected skin by dabbing with cold water. If the area is extensive, the casualty may prefer to soak the affected skin in a cold bath for ten minutes.
3. If the burns are mild, calamine or an after-sun lotion may soothe them. Advise the casualty to stay inside or in the shade. If sunburn is severe, seek medical advice.

HEATSTROKE

Symptoms
• Headache, dizziness and discomfort
• Restlessness and confusion
• Hot, flushed and dry skin
• Rapid deterioration in the level of response
• Full, bounding pulse
• Body temperature above 40 degrees

Treatment
1. Quickly move the casualty to a cool place. Remove as much of their outer clothing as possible. Call 999/112 for emergency help.
2. Help the casualty to sit down, supported with cushions. Wrap him in a cold, wet sheet until his temperature falls to 38 degrees under the tongue, or 37.5 degrees under the armpit. Keep the sheet wet by continually pouring cold water over it. If there is no sheet available, fan the casualty, or sponge him with cold water.
3. Once the casualty’s temperature appears to have returned to normal, replace the wet sheet with a dry one.
4. Monitor and record vital signs- level of response, breathing and pulse- while waiting for help to arrive. If the casualty’s temperature rises again, repeat the cooling process.

HEAT EXHAUSTION

Symptoms
• Headache, dizziness and confusion
• Loss of appetite and nausea
• Sweating, with pale, clammy skin
• Cramps in the arms, legs or abdomen
• Rapid, weakening pulse and breathing

Treatment
1. Get the casualty to a cool, shady place. Get him to lie down and raise and support his legs to improve blood flow to the brain.
2. Give him plenty of water to drink. Oral rehydration salts or isotonic drinks will help with salt replacement.
3. Monitor and record vital signs- level of response, breathing and pulse- while waiting for help to arrive. Even if the casualty recovers quickly, advise him to seek medical help.
4. If the casualty’s vital signs worsen, call 999/112 for emergency help. Monitor and record vital signs- level of response, breathing and pulse- while waiting for help to arrive.