With more hot weather forecast, the NHS in Kirklees is urging people to stay safe in the heat.
Although many people will be enjoying the weather, the heat can cause problems for those who are more vulnerable. This includes the elderly, young children, people with reduced mobility and those with long term health conditions.
It is important that everyone looks after their health. Hot weather can often lead to increased numbers seeking urgent care or visiting emergency departments.
Dr Sohail Abbas, Deputy Medical Director for NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board:
Dr Sohail Abbas, local GP and Deputy Medical Director for NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, is warning that high temperatures can pose serious health risks — particularly for older people, young children, and those with existing health conditions.
“Drinking water and staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do to keep well in hot weather,” said Dr Abbas. “If you are out and about, you can refill your bottle with free water in lots of places across our district. You can use the ‘Refill Return’ app to find your nearest station.”
He added: “Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm, when it’s at its hottest. If you do need to go out, stick to the shade, use sun cream, wear sunglasses and wear light coloured, loose clothing.”
Look out for others
People are also being urged to look out for vulnerable neighbours and relatives, and are reminded to never leave babies, children, or animals in parked vehicles.
At home people can keep indoor spaces cooler by closing the curtains in rooms that face the sun, opening windows when it’s cooler outside, and turning off electrical equipment and lights that get hot.
“If you do feel unwell make sure you access the right care in the right place,” said Dr Abbas. “If you’re unsure what to do, contact NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or by phone — they’re open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
Heat exhaustion – symptoms can include dizziness, tiredness, feeling or being sick, headache, excessive sweating, and weakness. It does not usually need emergency medical help if someone is cooled down within 30 minutes.
Cool someone down by moving them to a cool place, removing unnecessary clothing like a jacket or socks, getting them to drink a sports drink or cool water, and cooling their skin by spraying or sponging them with cold water and fanning them. If it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency.
Signs of heatstroke
Call 999 now if you can see signs of heatstroke, including:
- still unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place, being cooled and drinking fluids
- a very high temperature
- hot skin that’s not sweating and might look red
- a fast heartbeat
- fast breathing or shortness of breath
- confusion and lack of coordination
- a seizure or fit
- loss of consciousness
For more information on staying safe this summer visit togetherwe-can.com. Guidance on keeping children safe and water safety can be found on wyhealthiertogether.nhs.uk.