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Summer is just around the corner and the sun will stay up
longer. Many of us would want to enjoy the warmth of the sun, going for a
picnic, barbeque in the park or just lying on deck chairs by the pool. Children
too like to go out cycling, roller skating, skate boarding or just running in
the open to enjoy the sunshine.
But hot weather can also be dangerous. Children may not be
aware that the heat of the sun can also knock them out. Playing under the
scorching heat of the sun can drain off the fluid in your body very quickly
through perspiration. With the loss of fluid, the cooling system of the body
becomes inefficient. Children especially may suffer from heat exhaustion or heat
cramps if left playing under the hot sun for too long and not having enough
water in their system.
If a child collapses in the heat of the sun, he is most probably suffering from
heatstroke. Call 911 immediately if he is unconscious. Move him to a cool place
and lay him on his back if he is breathing. Remove his clothing and wrap him in
a cool and wet sheet, blanket or towel. Turn his head to one side and elevate
his feet. But if he is not breathing, immediately begin CPR protocol and wait
for the ambulance to arrive. If the child is still conscious but pale, weak or
dizzy, move him to a cool place, loosen his clothing, lay him on his back, turn
his head to one side and elevate his feet. Feed him with cool salt-and-sugar
water. Call for a doctor immediately. Some children suffering from heatstroke
may complain of stomach cramps or muscle cramps. Similarly move him out of the
sun and into a cool but not cold place.
Have him sit down and give him plenty of cool salt-and-sugar water. Let him get
well rested and he should be fine. Give him plenty of water or drink plenty of
juices. Let him wear a hat.
It is advisable for small children to stay indoors when it is severely hot
outside. Over exposure to heat may result in heatstroke and it is potentially
fatal. So while you enjoy the warmth of the beautiful summer do remember to take
precaution against the extreme heat of the sun too.
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