How to beat Lucifer the European heatwave

I am not in one of the European heatwave countries, but I am used to heatwaves in Australia. Nicknamed Lucifer, the European heatwave is affecting 11 southern and central European countries, described as one of the most intense heatwaves experienced in the region since 2003. Temperatures have been 10-15C higher than normal in some places and red alerts have been issued for Italy, Switzerland, and Croatia.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two of the main conditions that health authorities in the region are addressing.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include feeling hot and tired, with possible headaches and nausea. The body temperature may continue to rise, causing drowsiness, confusion and forgetfulness (which are the symptoms of heat stroke).

Other symptoms of heat stroke include muscle cramps and a raised temperature.

The main difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke (which is much more serious) is that heat stroke causes the core body temperature to be 40C or above. In this case, people will feel unwell, and their skin will be dry and not sweating. If attempts to cool down (drinking water and moving into a cooler location) do not reduce the body temperature, heat stroke may have already taken hold. Medical help may be required.

To prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke, reduce movement, stay out of the heat, keep cool, drink lots of water, avoid alcohol, and eat fresh fruiit which has high water content.

To cool down, move to a cool place, remove any unnecessary clothing, lie down and raise feet so they are above the level of the heart, use a cool sponge or cloth to cool the skin, and drink plenty of fluids (especially water). Ensure that someone stays with the person until they feet better – which usually takes 30 minutes. Avoid ice baths, as these can cause blood vessels in the skin to constrict, which may actually stop the body cooling down.

The majority of people who’ve had a bit too much sun will feel much better after a rest in a cool room, lots of water and rest. However, some cases can be more severe (high core body temperatures) and urgent medical help should be sought.

MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- Similar But Different in the Animal Kingdom (2017), The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).