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FIRST AID FOR OVER-EXPOSURE TO HOT TEMPERATURES - HEAT INDUCED ILLNESS
When a child's body temperature becomes dangerously high, as a result of being in hot conditions, it can result in a heat-induced illness such as HEAT EXHAUSTION or HEAT STROKE.

Heat stroke is the more serious condition and can be life threatening. It is important to know what physical signs to look for, how to treat the conditions and when to seek help from emergency services.

HEAT EXHAUSTION
Physical signs:
  • pale, sweaty skin
  • thirst
  • muscle cramps and weakness
  • moderately raised body temperature
  • dizziness
  • confusion

HEAT STRESS
Physical signs:
  • confusion
  • hot, flushed dry skin
  • high temperature (more than 40C)
  • rapid, pounding pulse
  • unsteady on feet
  • unconsciousness

First Aid:
  1. Lie the child down in a cool area.
  2. Remove excess clothing and cool the child by fanning.
  3. If the child is conscious, give cool water to drink.
  4. If you think the child has heat stroke, wrap ice (if available) in wet cloths and place these against the child's groin and under their armpits.
  5. Call an ambulance.
  6. If the child becomes unconscious, call an ambulance.

PREVENTING HEAT INDUCED ILLNESS (OVER-EXPOSURE TO HOT TEMPERATURES)
In summer, babies and children can lose fluids (dehydrate) more quickly than adults. Smaller body size and an inability to control body temperature makes a child more vulnerable to heat induced illness in extreme and hot conditions. If a child's body temperature becomes dangerously high, there is a risk of serious illness or even death. See First Aid for Overexposure to Hot Temperatures -Heat Induced Illness.

With this in mind, it is important to protect children in the heat. There are many ways to do so:


KEEP CHILDREN INDOORS
  • On very hot days, if possible, keep children inside and in the cool.
  • Dress babies and young toddlers in minimal clothing; a nappy or underwear is enough.
  • Choose the coolest rooms for a child to sleep or play. Fans and air conditioners need to be kept well out of reach of a child. Place the fans so they do not blow directly on a sleeping child.
  • Have your child drink extra water. Sugary drinks can make a child dehydrate more quickly.
  • A cooling (not cold) bath, or an occasional wipe down with a moist face flannel or towel, will help to keep your child comfortable.

OUTDOORS
  • If possible choose the coolest times of the day to go out with your child, i.e. early morning or early evening.
  • Dress children in light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and have them wear a wide brimmed hat, or legionnaire-style cap.
  • Keep in the shade, remembering that trees provide limited protection.
  • Outdoor sports are best avoided in extremely hot weather. At other times when children are playing sport make sure they drink extra water and have frequent breaks. See above.

IN THE CAR
  • Children (and pets) should never be left in a parked car on a hot day. The temperature inside the car can rise to double the temperature outside in a few minutes. Leaving the car under a tree or the window down slightly, makes very little difference to the temperature inside.
  • Keep the car doors and boot locked when the car is in the garage or driveway to stop young children from being tempted to climb in without you knowing.