On a sweltering day like this, you have to be careful not to get ‘suffocated by the heat’. A vague term that according to thermophysiologist Koen Levels can be divided into three categories: fatigue, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The latter can even be life-threatening. First aid instructor Annemiek knows how to intervene if it becomes too much for someone.
The most important thing to do when someone succumbs to heat is pretty obvious. “Make sure that someone moves from the heat to a cool room,” says Annemiek Dorssers of the First Aid Association Leende.
In addition to a cool space, you can also cool someone down yourself. “Cool someone with a wet cloth, preferably between the armpits, the groin, the neck and the head. This is the fastest way to do this.”
However, you should avoid playing doctor yourself. “Call 911 if someone is really confused or drowsy.” It is sometimes difficult to estimate how bad someone feels.
“Only let them drink if someone can handle a glass.”
“You can give someone to drink if they can take a glass themselves, otherwise you run the risk of someone choking. A sports drink helps because it contains a lot of minerals, salts and proteins.”
The first aider understands that you can only act with the resources you have. “You can put your feet in a bowl of water or cool someone down with a garden hose. You can also keep someone’s skin wet and cool with a fan.”
However, you cannot become overwhelmed by the heat from one moment to the next, says thermophysiologist Koen Levels. “You feel certain things coming. It often starts with fatigue and puffing because of the heat. That is not immediately dangerous, as long as you take it easy.”
“You get a headache, get confused, or have poor concentration.”
With heat exhaustion, the complaints get worse, he knows. “Then you often get a headache, you are a bit confused or you have less concentration. You can still function, but it is important that you stop exerting yourself.”
Otherwise, it could lead to heat stroke. “That can be life-threatening because the core body temperature can rise to 40 degrees.”
The complaints associated with heat stroke are therefore obvious. “The nervous system diminishes or shuts down, making it more difficult or impossible to speak, staggering while walking or turning your eyes away.”
“Do everything you can to cool your body.”
Fainting also occurs, according to the thermophysiologist. “That’s your body’s way of showing that it’s not working anymore.”
In addition to helping someone else, it is also important to keep a cool head yourself. “Make sure you stop exercising. In addition, you should do everything you can to cool your body.”
He has different ways to do that. “If there’s no other option, sit in the shade. Taking a cold shower and preferably lying in an ice bath are the best resources.”
“Listen to your body.”
The thermophysiologist understands that it is difficult for a layman to distinguish complaints from each other. “Just listen to your body. Take it easy on time and drink enough. Don’t think you’ll be fine at these temperatures.”
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