adults - heatwaves - response

E-Learning Module for Adults

Heat waves

e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Natural Disasters

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Part 3: ResponseDuring an emergency

In part 3 of the heat wave module , you will learn:

•What should I do if someone gets hurt or there is another emergency?•What to do / NOT do during an emergency?

•Safety near open waters

•Monitor animals and pets for heat stress


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What should I do if someone gets hurt or there is another emergency?


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Part 3: Response What to do in case of heat-related illnesses?

Advice on how to treat heat-related illnesses.

Do you know already how you could help others – your children, friends, colleagues, family members and even neighbours? The important point is care-giving – knowing how to treat heat-related illnesses. During heat waves people are susceptible to three heat-related conditions. Here’s how you can recognize and respond to them.

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Heat cramps.

If you or a person nearby you feels bad, sudden pains in legs you should:

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Heat cramps.

If you or a person nearby you feels bad, sudden pains in legs you should:Get yourself or the other person to a cooler place and have them rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and gently massage the area..

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Heat cramps.

If you or a person nearby you feels bad, sudden pains in legs you should:Get yourself or the other person to a cooler place and have them rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and gently massage the area.Make sure you or the other person takes a glass of fresh juice or milk. A glass of water may also be taken.


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Heat exhaustion.

If you or another person is feeling unwell, you should:


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Heat exhaustion.

If you or another person is feeling unwell, you should:Move the person or simply go yourself to a cooler environment with circulating air.


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Heat exhaustion.

If you or another person is feeling unwell, you should:Move the person or simply go yourself to a cooler environment with circulating air. Remove or loosen as much clothing as possible.


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Heat exhaustion.

If you or another person is feeling unwell, you should:Move the person or simply go yourself to a cooler environment with circulating air. Remove or loosen as much clothing as possible.Apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Spraying yourself or the person with water also can help.

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Heat stroke

Remember, heat stroke is life-threatening. So if you feel very bad, call 999 immediately or try to ask for a help.

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Dehydration

Follow these recommendations if you feel the symptoms of dehydration:•Drink lots of fluids – mineral water, juice or milk

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Dehydration

Follow these recommendations if you feel the symptoms of dehydration:•Drink lots of fluids – mineral water, juice or milk•Drink small amounts but very frequently.


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Advice on how to treat heat-related illnesses.

Whilst most people are potentially at risk of experiencing discomfort during extremely hot weather; babies and children under four years, seniors, older people living alone and people with a chronic condition or illness are considered to be most vulnerable to the effects of a heat-wave. Look after yourself and help friends, relatives and neighbours, particularly the elderly or people with disabilities.


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Part 3: Response In case of emergency

At signs of a severe acute illness, accidents and life-threatening situations call 999.

This number is an emergency number where operators will help you getting the help you need. You pronounce it 9 9 9 (nine - nine - nine) because it is easier to understand and remember for everyone. To get help as fast and effective as possible, it is important you know what to say and do, when you call. Also, even though you are afraid, in pain or in other way distressed, you need to stay calm and remember what you have learned.


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Calling 999

Remember:•Don’t be afraid to call 999, they are there to help you. •Stay calm and speak clearly.•Follow the instructions given by the operator closely.


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Calling 999

Remember:•Don’t be afraid to call 999, they are there to help you. •Stay calm and speak clearly.•Follow the instructions given by the operator closely.

The next slides will show you the steps to make a safe and effective call to 999.


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1. Calling 999


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2. Calling 999

If you don’t see any address, describe the surroundings to the operator. Everything you see around you can help (shop name, bus stops, significant buildings, etc...)


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3. Calling 999

•When has it happened?


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3. Calling 999

•When has it happened?•What number are you calling from?


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3. Calling 999

•When has it happened?•What number are you calling from?•How many are injured?


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4. Calling 999


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5. Calling 999


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Calling 999

While talking to the operator, he/she will:•Determine the help you need


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Calling 999

While talking to the operator, he/she will:•Determine the help you need•Put you through to a health specialist if needed


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Calling 999

While talking to the operator, he/she will:•Determine the help you need•Put you through to a health specialist if needed•Hand over the information you give to the emergency service


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Calling 999

While talking to the operator, he/she will:•Determine the help you need•Put you through to a health specialist if needed•Hand over the information you give to the emergency service•Send out the help for you while talking with you, so don’t worry


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What to do / NOT do during an emergency?


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Part 3: Response What to do?

How to behave if you feel effects of a heat wave.

You should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Make sure you, your colleagues and your relatives avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Otherwise, dehydration may occur.


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Eat small meals and eat more often.

how to behave if you feel effects of a heat wave.


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Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-coloured clothing. Avoid dark colours because they absorb the sun’s rays.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net


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Slow down, stay indoors, if possible;

Image courtesy of smarnad at FreeDigitalPhotos.net



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Avoid exercise during the hottest part of the day.


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Check on family, friends and neighbours who do not have air conditioning or who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.


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Check yourself or ask your children to check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.


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Video: how to behave if you feel effects of a heat wave.

7 Ways to Beat the Heat - Hot Weather Hazards - Preventing Illness & Deaths in Hot Environments

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Part 3: Response What NOT to do?


Whatever the situation: DO NOT

put yourself, or others, in any

danger!DO NOT try to be a

hero and put yourself in a dangerous position!


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Safety near the open waters

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Part 3: Response Safety near the open waters


Safety near open waters

While near a lake, swimming pool or any other open water in the summer time, especially when the weather is warmer than usual, you should take care about yourself and especially your children. Having a good time in the lake, pool or any other open water is fun but can also be dangerous for your health.

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You should remember and keep in mind that:

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You should remember and keep in mind that: The water may look calm on the surface, but there may be strong undercurrents that could pull even a strong swimmer under the water.

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You should remember and keep in mind that: The water may look calm on the surface, but there may be strong undercurrents that could pull even a strong swimmer under the water. Do not misjudge your and your children’s swimming ability - they may view a river or lake as a tempting means of cooling off during a hot spell of weather, but fail to appreciate the harmful effects that the cold water can have on their stamina and strength.

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You should remember and keep in mind that: The water may look calm on the surface, but there may be strong undercurrents that could pull even a strong swimmer under the water. Do not misjudge your and your children’s swimming ability - they may view a river or lake as a tempting means of cooling off during a hot spell of weather, but fail to appreciate the harmful effects that the cold water can have on their stamina and strength. If you fall or jump into the water, the cold will shock your body, making your muscles seize up so you can’t move.

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You should remember and keep in mind that: The water may look calm on the surface, but there may be strong undercurrents that could pull even a strong swimmer under the water. Do not misjudge your and your children’s swimming ability - they may view a river or lake as a tempting means of cooling off during a hot spell of weather, but fail to appreciate the harmful effects that the cold water can have on their stamina and strength. If you fall or jump into the water, the cold will shock your body, making your muscles seize up so you can’t move.You could easily cut yourself on rubbish or rocks and you may become ill due to bacteria in the water.

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If you see another person is drowning what should you do?

Do not forget that only the person who can swim well should help another drowning person. Otherwise, both persons (the one that helps and the one that is drowning) may suffer.

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Identify a drowning victim

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Alert or ask for help, if possible

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If you feel strong enough to swim well, try to find a floatation device if available. However, if you do not feel confident enough, give the information about the accident to a lifeguard who may be on duty.

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If you are trying to save someone’s life, try to help them to get to the shore as quickly as possible. If not, help the person who is rescuing a victim – take extra things (that the drowning person may have) away, help to make a secure place.


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Monitor animals and pets for heat stress

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Part 3: Response Monitor animals and pets



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Animals and pets can be affected by heat related illness and anyone in charge of an animal, livestock or a pet has a duty of care to provide food, water and appropriate shelter for the animal. You should explain and give advice to your children on how to look after a pet correctly during a heat wave.

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Monitor animals and pets for heat stressFor example, do you know what you should do and how to behave during the hot summer if you have a pet that is covered in fur? Summers can get very hot, particularly for animals that are covered in fur. It's important to keep the pet cool during the summer. So you or your children should observe the animal to see if it is becoming overheated. For example, an overheated pet may have the following symptoms:


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Monitor animals and pets for heat stressFor example, do you know what you should do and how to behave during the hot summer if you have a pet that is covered in fur? Summers can get very hot, particularly for animals that are covered in fur. It's important to keep the pet cool during the summer. So you or your children should observe the animal to see if it is becoming overheated. For example, an overheated pet may have the following symptoms:•wet fur below the nose


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Monitor animals and pets for heat stressFor example, do you know what you should do and how to behave during the hot summer if you have a pet that is covered in fur? Summers can get very hot, particularly for animals that are covered in fur. It's important to keep the pet cool during the summer. So you or your children should observe the animal to see if it is becoming overheated. For example, an overheated pet may have the following symptoms:•wet fur below the nose•heavy and fast breathing


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Monitor animals and pets for heat stressFor example, do you know what you should do and how to behave during the hot summer if you have a pet that is covered in fur? Summers can get very hot, particularly for animals that are covered in fur. It's important to keep the pet cool during the summer. So you or your children should observe the animal to see if it is becoming overheated. For example, an overheated pet may have the following symptoms:•wet fur below the nose•heavy and fast breathing•very red and hot ears


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Monitor animals and pets for heat stressFor example, do you know what you should do and how to behave during the hot summer if you have a pet that is covered in fur? Summers can get very hot, particularly for animals that are covered in fur. It's important to keep the pet cool during the summer. So you or your children should observe the animal to see if it is becoming overheated. For example, an overheated pet may have the following symptoms:•wet fur below the nose•heavy and fast breathing•very red and hot ears•inactive and not as alert as usual


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Monitor animals and pets for heat stressFor example, do you know what you should do and how to behave during the hot summer if you have a pet that is covered in fur? Summers can get very hot, particularly for animals that are covered in fur. It's important to keep the pet cool during the summer. So you or your children should observe the animal to see if it is becoming overheated. For example, an overheated pet may have the following symptoms:•wet fur below the nose•heavy and fast breathing•very red and hot ears•inactive and not as alert as usual•eyes may be half closed


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You should also make sure your pet cage or hut is out of the sun. Help your children to cover any windows with blinds and curtains if necessary. If this doesn't make a difference, consider moving the cage to the coolest part of the house.

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You should also keep the room air conditioned. This will keep the whole room cool enough to be comfortable, which will prevent your pet from overheating. Pay attention and explain to your children that the temperature should be comfortable, not sub-Arctic.

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You can use fans to cool the pet as well. This will create a breeze to cool the animal down. Make sure that your pet can escape from the force of the fan if it gets too cold.

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You can also freeze a water bottle and help your children to place that inside the cage to create a cool spot for the pet to lie against when it is too hot.


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adults - heatwaves - response

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