Feeling 'hot, hot, hot': Protect yourself in extreme heat
Heat warnings are issued when temperatures or humidity increase the risk of heat-related illness
The heat is on — and emergency officials warn people to stay cool.
During these scorching temperatures, the Canadian Red Cross in Atlantic Canada is reminding people of the dangers of heat-related illnesses.
"A lot of people tend to think, when you're in a heat event, the biggest concern is sunburn and being a little thirsty," said Dan Bedell, the Red Cross spokesperson.
"But heat-related illnesses, they're different."
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Heat warnings are issued when high temperatures or humidity increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
As a result, the Department of Health's heat alert and response system, HARS for short, is in full swing, aiming to keep New Brunswickers informed about extreme temperatures.
The system has three levels that are based on the humidex value, which combines the effect of heat and humidity to describe how warm the temperature actually feels.
What's a heat-related illness?
Heat-related illness develops when someone is exposed to hot temperatures over a long period of time.
Bedell said it's important people take the risk seriously.
"They don't even require you be in direct sunlight," he said. "It's just the prolonged exposure, or over-exerting yourself, in the heat.
"Anyone can be at risk of this."
The young and the old are less able to sweat, so they're less able to regulate body temperature.- Dan Bedell, Canadian Red Cross
Bedell said heat stroke, the most common of heat-related conditions, prevents the body from regulating its own temperature.
People who reach heat stroke conditions will have skin hot and dry to touch and they won't be sweating.
They might feel irritable or confused or show aggressive behaviour.
"Progressively, they could go to the point of losing consciousness and heat stroke is clearly a life-threatening emergency," Bedell said. "People tend to think it can't happen to them."
What can you do about it?
Anyone who witnesses someone with heat stroke symptoms should call 911, because it's a medical emergency, Bedell said.
If possible, the person should be moved to a cooler location, preferably one with air-conditioning.
The patients should be given a cold drink of water, and tight clothing should be loosened or eliminated. Clothing should also be soaked down with cold water.
Ice cubes should be placed in the back of the neck and in armpits, one of the areas where heat escapes quickly and an area quick to regulate body temperature.
Who's at risk?
Bedell said other symptoms of heat-related illness and dehydration include headaches, skin rash, clammy skin, darkened urine or muscle cramping in the legs or abdomen.
The people most vulnerable or at risk because of extreme heat are young children and older adults, people who have less ability to look after themselves, are homeless or are socially isolated.
"The young and the old are less able to sweat, so they're less able to regulate body temperature," he said.