Why this issue affects us all

Summers are getting hotter – we can all feel it. But whilst many people simply associate the heat with sun cream and days spent at the beach, it poses serious risks to our bodies. Older people, children and those with chronic illnesses are particularly at risk – but even healthy adults can find themselves in dangerous situations in their daily lives or whilst exercising.

What many people don’t realise is that there are various forms of heat-related illness – and they can differ significantly in terms of their causes, symptoms and severity. Whilst heat cramps and heat exhaustion are usually caused by physical exertion and dehydration and can be effectively treated if the correct measures are taken, heatstroke and the related condition of sunstroke are more serious reactions to overheating – with potential effects on the central nervous system. Heatstroke, on the other hand, is a medical emergency which, if left untreated, can be fatal.

Heat exhaustion – when your circulation fails

Heat exhaustion occurs following prolonged exposure to heat, combined with fluid and salt loss. Older people, children and those with cardiovascular conditions are particularly at risk.

Symptoms:

• Tiredness, feeling weak
• Headache, dizziness
• Nausea, possibly followed by vomiting
• Cold, clammy skin
• Pale complexion
• Circulatory problems

What to do?

• Move the person to a cool environment
• Lay them flat and raise their legs
• Offer them something to drink (if they are conscious)
• Cool the body slowly with damp cloths or a fan
• If the person loses consciousness: call the emergency services on 144

Heatstroke – the overheated head

Heatstroke occurs when the head and neck are exposed to direct heat – usually sunlight – for a prolonged period. Children are often affected whilst playing, but adults not wearing head coverings are also at risk.

Symptoms:

• Red, hot head
• Dizziness, nausea
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Irritability or restlessness
• In severe cases: clouding of consciousness

What should you do?

• Take the person immediately into the shade or a cool room
• Cool the head and neck with damp cloths
• Elevate the upper body
• Give them fluids if they are conscious
• If their condition worsens: call the emergency services on 144

Sunstroke – a specific form of heatstroke

Sunstroke is a specific form of heatstroke in which the meninges are irritated by intense sunlight on the head and neck. Young children are particularly at risk, as their skulls are thinner and offer less protection.

Symptoms:

• Severe headaches, neck pain
• Sensitivity to light
• Fever-like symptoms
• Nausea, vomiting
• Drowsiness through to impaired consciousness

What should you do?

• Seek shade, lie down quietly
• Cool the head (not ice-cold!)
• Ensure adequate fluid intake whilst fully conscious
• Seek medical attention; if the condition worsens, call the emergency services on 144

Heatstroke – a medical emergency!

Heatstroke is a medical emergency! It occurs when the body loses its ability to regulate its temperature – usually following strenuous physical exertion in high ambient temperatures. The core body temperature rises uncontrollably to over 40 °C.

Symptoms:

• Hot, dry skin (no more sweating!)
• Very high body temperature
• Confusion, convulsions
• Loss of consciousness
• Circulatory collapse

What should you do?

• Call the emergency services on 144 immediately
• Move the person into the shade
• Loosen or remove their clothing
• Cover them with cool, damp cloths or spray them with cool, damp water
• Fan cool air over them
• Do not give any liquids if the person is unconscious!

This is where professional healthcare and nursing come into play: nursing staff identify risks at an early stage, raise awareness amongst relatives, take action in an emergency and care for those who are particularly vulnerable. It is precisely for these tasks that we prepare our students on the Bachelor’s degree programme in Healthcare and Nursing.

P.S.: Further information on the topic of heat: Our students on the Bachelor’s degree programme in Health Management and Health Promotion have produced two more videos on this topic. They’re well worth a watch!

Video 1: Food systems as factors influencing climate change – causes, effects and potential solutions. Produced by our students Jessica Bauer and Sarah Duschanek. Click here to watch the video.

Video 2: Nutrition in hot weather – general information, risks and practical tips. Produced by our students Katharina Lederer and Maximilian Pichelbauer. Watch the video here.

Guest contribution: Nadine Graf
Programme Director, Bachelor’s in Health and Nursing