Recognising and Responding to Heat Illness

For the first time temperatures of 40°C have been forecast in the UK on Monday (18 July) and Tuesday (19 July). Exceptional heat is expected to affect a large part of England including Birmingham and the West Midlands. Extreme temperatures can have significant health consequences and severely impact services.

Adult Social Care staff are currently conducting safe and well calls or visits to at risk citizens known to adult social care. All face-to-face co design and citizen engagement activities as part of BAU have been cancelled.

The following advice is in line with national guidance:

• Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
• Stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
• Drink regularly even if you do not feel thirsty
• Contact your doctor, a pharmacist or nhs.uk if you’re worried about your health during a heatwave, especially if you are taking medication, or have any unusual symptoms
• Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
• Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
  

This pdf will help you to recognise signs of heat distress and how to treat it.

General heatwave advice can be found on our dedicated webpage. Further information on coping during heatwaves is available on the NHS website. Keep up to date on the latest weather information on the Met Office website