Stay Safe in the Heat: Essential Tips from Festival d'été de Québec

2023-07-05 19:24:32

Prepare yourselves. Do the right things. Know what to do.

As part of the activities of the Festival d’été de Québec, the Integrated University Health and Social Services Center (CIUSSS) of the Capitale-Nationale wishes to send the population some recommendations in order to prevent health problems that may arise when is very hot.

Heat, especially when accompanied by high humidity, can cause various health problems such as dehydrationfrom fatigueof the dizzinessof the discomfortof the crampsfrom fevera loss of consciousnessof the’exhaustion or one heatstroke. In the event of severe heat, taking drugs and consuming alcohol significantly increase the risk of dehydration and heatstroke.

The people who are most vulnerable to it are the elderly and those who suffer from chronic cardiovascular, respiratory or renal diseases, diabetes or mental health problems. Babies and children under the age of five should also be closely monitored.

Here are some recommendations to prevent these health problems:

Carry enough water with you; Pack cold meals and snacks to satisfy your cravings; Protect yourself from the sun by wearing light, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses; Take a portable seat or ground cover with you so you can sit down; Bring a parasol or umbrella, if necessary, to protect yourself depending on the weather conditions; Wear appropriate footwear, use your walking aids, walking to avoid falls, take your medication as usual and wear your glasses.

Do the right things during the event:

Apply a sunscreen with a protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more before going out and reapply it every two hours thereafter; Drink often, unless there is a medical contraindication; Look for shaded areas in the outside;Avoid intense physical activities during heat episodes;Watch over people with restricted autonomy and accompany them as needed;Never leave a child or a person who is not independent in a vehicle;Identify tents and the places where first aid can be given if necessary; Identify the exits from the site and do not hesitate to go to a place of coolness, shade and calm to rest if you feel the need. Get accompanied; Reduce your work rate if you are a worker. Take breaks and make sure you’re well hydrated during a heat event.

What to do if you need help or if you witness discomfort?

Ensure your safety and the safety of the person who is unwell. In the event of significant discomfort, lay her on the ground and raise her legs; Ask someone to get help from the first aid managers deployed on site. While waiting for first aid: Place the person who has lost consciousness to the side. If she has fallen, do not attempt to pick her up or place support under her head. Stay close to them to secure them while waiting for first aid officials; Ask people to leave an open area around the person to allow air to easily reach them; Accompany the person to the first aid tent treatment or stay with her until first aid arrives.

If first aid officials are unreachable, in an emergency you can always call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.

People who want more information on health issues can contact the Info-Santé/Info-Social service at any time by dialing 8-1-1.