Heat-related emergencies happen when the body becomes dehydrated.
Anyone who stays in the summer heat and sun for too long may be affected by heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
According to the Canadian Red Cross, here are the signs and symptoms that can lead to heat-related emergencies:
- Cramps or muscle tightening, usually in the legs and abdomen, but they can be in other parts of the body
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness, weakness, and feeling faint
- Skin that is redder or paler than usual, or moist skin
- Rapid shallow breathing
- Irritable, bizarre, or aggressive behaviour
If someone has been in the heat for too long and is suffering from the above signs and symptoms, move the person to a cooler location, give them cool water in sips and call 9-1-1 for help.
