Warm weather warning as hospital admissions rise

As the Bailiwick continues to experience very warm conditions the Emergency Department at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital has seen an increase in the number of patients attending compared to previous years.

These are up by 21.6% compared to a comparable period last year (the period 1.7.18 – 23.7.18). Reasons for attendance during the past 6 weeks or so have included incidences of dizziness, dehydration, faintness, heat exhaustion and sunburn.

Whilst we hope everyone really enjoys this warm weather, Public Health would like to remind everyone of the top ways for staying safe during the heat.

These are to:

• look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions;
• close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors;
• drink plenty of water as sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you more dehydrated;
• never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals;
• try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm;
• take care to protect against the sun if you are going into the water to cool down;
• walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat, if you have to go out in the heat
• avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
• wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes
• make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling

Dr Nicola Brink, Director of Public Health also advised that the “over 65s, as well as young children and those with heart and lung conditions can all find normal activities a strain when temperatures get this high. I also urge people to take care to protect against the sun, taking sensible precautions such wearing a hat and applying sunscreen. It is also important to stay well hydrated.”