Published: June 29, 2022

Safety is a big deal in our organization. We want our drivers, your goods, and all others on the road to get to their destinations safe and sound. As the first heat wave of the summer ends, we know there will likely be many more. To help keep you, your family, friends, and neighbours safe in the sizzling temperatures, we share this information about potentially life-threatening heat related illness and how to avoid it.

While most people know to stay out of the mid-day sun during a heat wave, it’s actually indoor temperatures that most often lead to heat related illness. Without air conditioning, indoor heat accumulates, particularly when the temperatures don’t cool down much in the evening. This is why it’s so important to keep an eye on the thermostat and take action to cool everyone down or seek out a cooling center, particularly if you have small children, older adults, or others who may be more vulnerable. It’s also why you’re encouraged to check on elderly neighbours or those whose judgement may be impaired, as they may not realize the dangerousness of the heat.\

Keep everyone hydrated, and that means drinking lots of water even if you don’t feel thirsty. A cool bath or shower, or wearing a wet t-shirt can also help. But if anyone shows signs of overheating (see below), get them to a cooler environment.

Never leave a person or a pet alone in a parked car. The temperature inside a vehicle gets very hot, very fast, even if the windows are open.
The other thing to keep in mind when outdoors is that sunscreen protects your skin from burning, but doesn’t help you stay cooler.

Watch for these symptoms - from mild to severe:

• Pale, cool, moist skin
• Heavy sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Rash
• Swelling, especially hands and feet
• Fatigue and weakness
• Dizziness and/or fainting
• Headache
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Reduced urine production or urine that is very dark
• Increasing heart rate and rapid, shallow breathing
• Fever, particularly a core body temperature of 39°C (102°F) or more
• Unusual confusion and decreased mental alertness
• Red, hot, dry skin (in the late stages of heat stroke)
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness/coma

Even with milder symptoms, act immediately to lower the body temperature and give fluids. If there are any more serious symptoms, like dizziness, vomiting, disorientation or changes in mental alertness, or if symptoms last longer than an hour or get worse, call 911. If you’re not sure how serious the symptoms are, call 811 for medical advice.

You can learn more at HealthLinkBC.

Have fun! Just be cool.