HEATWAVE - IN PICTURES - How you have been keeping cool in Coventry? - The Coventry Observer

HEATWAVE - IN PICTURES - How you have been keeping cool in Coventry?

Coventry Editorial 18th Jul, 2022 Updated: 18th Jul, 2022   0

SHOPPERS, visitors and residents did their best to keep cool in Coventry city centre today as the heatwave escalated.

The mercury rose to a sweltering 37°C and The Met Office has issued a red weather warning – danger to life – for the heat.

Umbrellas are the order of the day. Picture by Marcus Mingins 2922003MMR2 copyright Bullivant Media

People were out and about but those who were found sanctuary in fountains, under umbrellas and in shady spots.

Umbrellas are the order of the day. Picture by Marcus Mingins 2922003MMR3 copyright Bullivant Media

 




 

Advice issued by NHS as West Midlands Ambulance Service sees increase in calls

West Midlands Ambulance Trust had already seen a rise in the number of heat related calls over the weekend to both the 999 and 111 services with calls about sunburn, heat stroke, barbecue burns, dehydration, breathing difficulties and from people enjoying the outdoors who are ill prepared.


WMAS said it was vital people took on board the warning so preventable situations did not end up resulting in people needing to access help from the NHS.

Emergency Services Operations Delivery Director, Nathan Hudson, said: “Almost everyone enjoys a sunny day, but the difference this time is that temperatures have the potential to reach levels never before seen in the West Midlands.

“Heat can cause some very serious health implications if we don’t treat it with respect, particularly for the very young and elderly, but it can affect people of all ages.

“Dehydration is one of the biggest risks – it happens when you lose more fluid than you take in.  We all need to drink enough when it’s hot; water and fruit juices are much better than alcohol, which is a diuretic and will speed up dehydration.”

“We already see lots of cases of dehydration in the elderly and the heat will make that worse.

“Dehydration can lead to breathing problems, confusion, headaches, fatigue, dizziness and may result in patients becoming unsteady on their feet and as a result end up falling which can result in other serious injuries.  It can also lead on to heat stroke and a period of being unconscious.”

People with dark yellow or strong smelling urine need to rehydrate immediately and people have been advised not to be out when the sun is at its strongest between 11am and 3pm.

Other advice includes wearing appropriate – loose – clothing and wearing sunscreen.

NHS Coventry and Warwickshire has also reiterated the ambulance service’s advice.

Dr Sukhi Dhesi, GP Partner at Croft Medical Centre, said: “As the UK continues to experience a severe heatwave, it is important that everyone protects themselves as much as possible from the effects of the heat.

“I would urge everyone to keep hydrated and stay out of the sun where possible, especially during the hottest part of the day between 11am and 3pm.

“If you have vulnerable family, friends or neighbours, please be sure to check on them and make them aware of how to stay safe during the warm weather. The risk of illness is very real when temperatures reach this level, and we should all be careful for as long as the heat persists.”

In particular, people are being asked to look out for the signs of heatstroke, which include a headache, dizziness and confusion, loss of appetite and feeling sick, excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin, cramps in the arms, legs and stomach, fast breathing or pulse, a high temperature of 38C or above, and being very thirsty.

If you suspect someone has heat stroke, then you should follow the following 4 steps:

Move them to a cool place.

Get them to lie down and raise their feet slightly.

Get them to drink plenty of water. Sports or rehydration drinks are OK.

Cool their skin – spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them. Cold packs around the armpits or neck are good, too.

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