PARENTS have been warned to be on the lookout for signs of heatstroke in little ones as the UK continues to experience warm weather.
Brits can expect soaring heat of around 29C today with the temperature only set to increase in the coming days.
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With that in mind, one expert says you should ‘be a role model’ to for children and make sure you visibly practise sun care in front of them to avoid heat stroke.
Pharmacist Scott McDougall, found of The Independent Pharmacy said: “Babies and young children overheat more quickly than adults, making them one of the most at-risk groups during a heatwave.
“With children, stay indoors where possible, apply (and reapply) sunscreen, as well as put on a cap if you do go outside, and avoid enclosed prams to prevent overheating.
“Keep babies under six months away from direct sunlight.
“Newborn babies should be breast or bottle-fed more often than normal, and older babies should be offered plenty more liquid, with water being the best option.
“Of course, many young children may not enjoy drinking water. You can try putting ice cubes in the cup to make it more exciting. Or use sugar-free squash, but avoid fizzy soda and pop as these sugar-laden drinks will have a dehydrating effect.
“If you’re child is sick with cold or fever symptoms in a heatwave, seek advice from a GP.”
Sweltering high temperatures could have major health implications so Brits are being warned to stay safe in the sun.
People need to be on high alert for the first signs of deadly heat stroke and heat exhaustion, experts say.
Joe Mulligan, head of first aid education at the British Red Cross, said there are simple steps people can take to make sure they, and their family, stay safe.
He said: “Whether a summer heatwave fills you with excitement or concerns, overheating in this hot weather can be dangerous.
“Evidence shows that the number of people visiting their GP for heat-related illness can double during a heatwave.
“Many heat-related illnesses occur because someone has been in the heat too long, or has over exerted without drinking enough fluid.
“During this period of soaring temperatures everyone can take simple steps to stay safe.
“Avoiding going out in the sun at the hottest time of the day, drinking plenty of water and even wearing a hat on hot days can all make a real difference.”
What are the signs of killer heat stroke?
Heat stroke is a potentially life-threatening side effect of enjoying the glorious weather.
Sitting out in the sun for too long can cause the body to overheat and trigger heat stroke.
It happens when someone gets so hot their body can’t control their temperature.
It’s much less common than sunburn, and is very serious…you must get medical help straight away if you suspect a loved one is suffering it.
In children the symptoms can include:
1. Becoming floppy and sleeping
2. Hot, flushed and dry skin
3. A headache, feeling dizzy or be confused and restless
4. Fast breathing and heartbeat
5. Seizures
6. Little or no sweating
7. Body temperature rises to 40.5C or higher
8. Loss of consciousness or passing out
9. Get worse quickly and become unresponsive
What should you do?
- dial 999 IMMEDIATELY, or get someone else to
- cool them down
- quickly move them into a cooler environment
- remove their outer clothing
- wrap them in a cold, wet sheet
- keep pouring water over them
- keep cooling them while waiting for help to arrive
- if their temperature returns to normal and they no longer feel hot to touch, you can stop cooling them
What about heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion happens when someone loses too much fluid and salt, from sweating buckets in the hot conditions.
Signs you, or your child, are suffering include:
- feeling dizzy or confused
- complaining of a headache
- sweating
- pale, cool skin
- feeling nauseous
If you suspect you, or a loved one, has been struck with heat exhaustion you should:
- help them to a cool place
- let them rest – this will also help them start to cool down
- give them plenty of water to drink
- isotonic sports drinks are even better, as they help replace the salts lost through sweating
- book to see your GP or dial NHS 111
- if their condition gets worse, dial 999 immediately
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