Doctor offers advice to avoid heat stroke during sweltering conditions

With the temperature in Regina reaching record territory, one doctor says it’s important for people to be safe if they are outside.

The temperature reached 35.9 C on Tuesday, breaking a record that had stood since 1919.

Dr. Maurice Hennink, a medical health officer with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, says when the mercury is this high, heat stroke becomes a concern.

“Heat stroke is an illness that can have a mortality attached to it. We don’t see it fairly commonly. Not recognizing it and treating it properly can have a poor outcome,” Hennink said.

“The body temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanisms fail and the body is unable to cool down. The body temperature rises above 40 degree or higher within a very short space of time — 15 minutes or so — and it can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment isn’t given.”

He said symptoms of heat stroke include a very high body temperature, red-hot dry skin but no sweating, rapid, strong pulse, nausea, confusion and unconsciousness.

Ways people can avoid heat stroke include staying out of the heat, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when it is the hottest, as well as staying in cool environments, keeping hydrated and eating cooling foods.

“We usually say slip, slap, slop — slip on some clothing that is light, slap on a hat and slop on the sunscreen — and try to avoid extreme physical exertion during the heat of the day,” Hennink said.

If a person is believed to be suffering from heat stroke, Hennink said they need to be moved to a shady or cool area. People should try to cool the person down by any means possible and call 9-1-1.

“It’s a very uncommon occurrence but when it does, it’s a very serious issue,” he said.

He also said it’s important to not leaves pets or kids inside vehicles when it is this hot out.