It is important to make sure that you and your service users are staying cool, especially during the summer months, when the heat can suddenly get much more extreme. Severe heat can be dangerous and sometimes even fatal, especially to those that may be more vulnerable. People can be more vulnerable to the heat because of factors such as their age, medications that they are on, if they suffer from certain chronic or severe illnesses or if they struggle to adapt their behaviour, making it more challenging for their body to adjust to the temperatures.

Dangers

There are many effects that the heat can have on us, all of which can become severe very quickly and are important to look out for so the person can be treated as soon as possible. These dangerous issues include:

• Heat stroke
• Heat exhaustion
• Dehydration
• Sunburn

If you suspect that you or your service users is suffering from heat stroke, it is important to call 999 straight away.

Plan ahead

The best thing to do during the warmer months in to plan. You can do this by paying attention to the weather reports or the news in advance, so you know what to expect and can schedule your day around the weather.

If the weather reports show that, is it likely to be very sunny and hot that day, you can prepare to make any precautions necessary for that day, therefore you won’t be surprised or rushed on the day.

If you have an activity planned for the day, you can schedule them for a cooler time in advance. This ensures that it is not to hot for whoever is involved, but they activity is still completed.

It is also important to ensure that you have sun cream to apply if you know that you are going to be going to be outside and directly in the sun for a substantial amount of time.

Caring for Service Users

When caring for service users who are more at risk, it is important to show that there are protocols in place so that they can receive extra care and support. These extra responsibilities may include:

• Checking the service users body temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure and hydration levels.
• Watch for behaviour changes. This could include signs of headaches, unusual tiredness/drowsiness, weakness, giddiness, disorientation or sleep problems.

Keeping your service users cool

There are many things you can be doing to help cool your service users down and ensure that the heat is not too much for them, these include:

• Apply a damp cloth to the back of their neck, as this will help regulate their body temperature.
• Discourage them to carry out physical activities or activities outside during the hotter times of day (11AM till 3PM).
• Ensure that the clothes they’re wearing are light and loose fitting, therefore more breathable and perfect for hotter weather.
• Encourage them to wear a hat that covers their face, ears and neck as well as sunglasses if they are outside.
• Apply sun cream to them every 2 hours if outside.

Hydration

• Ensure they are drinking cold drinks regularly, ideally water.
• Monitor fluid intake if necessary.
• Adapt to colder meals that provide more hydration, such as salads.
• Discourage them from drinking alcohol, caffeinated drinks or hot drinks.

Environment

• Close blinds and curtains to avoid the sunlight.
• Avoid closed spaces (such as stationary cars).
• Avoid plastic pads and mattresses, as these tend to get especially warmer.
• Try and ensure that the area you and your service user is in is 26°C or below.
• When outside temperature drops lower than the inside temperature, open all the windows.
• Turn off any unnecessary electric equipment or lighting that is generating unnecessary heat.
• If outside, ensure that your service user is kept under the shade. Could be from a tree or gazebo.

Electric fans

• Don’t aim the fan directly at the service user.
• Keep it a good distance away.
• Fans can cause dehydration, so ensure they have plenty of fluids.
• Make sure that the fan is cleaned before using.

Keeping yourself cool

It is important to make sure that while taking care of your service user, you’re also ensuring that you’re taking good enough care of yourself and making sure that you are well enough to work in the heat. By changing the environment around you and your service user, this will help both of your however you must also ensure that you are keeping yourself hydrated. If you are outside, it is important that you also apply sun cream to yourself as well.