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Heat can become a medical emergency even without direct sun exposure, Netcare 911 warns following a number of emergencies in recent weeks that highlight this often-overlooked danger.

With temperatures likely to rise further as summer approaches, familiar advice on sunscreen, hats and shade addresses only part of the risk. People working indoors, particularly in hot industrial environments, can also be vulnerable to heat-related illness, which can cause dizziness and fainting, and worsen existing health conditions.

“People often associate heat-related medical emergencies with spending too long in the sun, but there is danger wherever the body temperature rises faster than the heat can be dissipated,” says Shalen Ramduth, operations director of Netcare 911.

“In a hot workplace, physical exertion further increases the risk of heat stress. The risk depends not only on the temperature but also on how hard the body has to work and whether the person has the opportunity to rest and cool down, both of which are critical.”

Under a roof and still feeling the heat
Annali Snoer, governance coordinator at Netcare 911, explains that hot machinery, physical exertion, humidity and limited airflow can all increase the body’s heat load. Some protective clothing that is necessary for occupational safety can also trap heat and prevent effective cooling.   

“Being indoors can give people a false sense of security, but heatstroke can still occur. Sweating helps us cool down when sweat evaporates. However, in humid conditions, or where clothing restricts evaporation, we can sweat heavily without cooling effectively,” she says.

Snoer notes that the same risks apply in hot kitchens, workshops, and other enclosed spaces where heat can build up quickly, particularly when ventilation is poor.

When ‘just tired’ deserves a second look
Heat-related illness may start with symptoms that are easy to dismiss, such as a headache, nausea, muscle cramps, unusual fatigue, or lightheadedness.

“The affected person may think they are simply having a tiring day, but a colleague may notice unusual irritability, unsteadiness, or difficulty completing a familiar task,” says Snoer.

“These changes deserve attention, particularly in a hot environment. Stop the activity, help the person reach a cooler place safely, and alert the first aider or medical team.”

Heat and dehydration can also cause fainting. Even a brief loss of consciousness warrants medical assessment, whether or not the person appears to have recovered.

Existing health conditions can change the picture
For someone living with a chronic condition, managing their health in hot weather may require extra care. Certain conditions increase vulnerability to heat, while some medicines can affect perspiration, fluid balance or the body’s ability to cool itself.

“People taking regular medication should ask their doctor or pharmacist whether they need to take any specific precautions in hot weather.

“This is particularly important for anyone who has been advised to limit their fluid intake. The aim is to have a plan tailored to your health needs, rather than assuming everyone should drink the same amount. Do not stop or change prescribed treatment without medical advice,” says Ramduth.

Know when to call for help
Heat exhaustion can cause heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea and headache. Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency that can damage the brain and other organs.

Confusion, slurred speech, seizures, collapse, or reduced consciousness in someone who has been in hot conditions require immediate emergency help.

“One dangerous misconception is that someone with heatstroke stops sweating. This is not always the case, as the patient may still be sweating heavily. Do not wait for dry skin or a thermometer reading before calling for help,” cautions Snoer.

If someone feels unwell in a hot environment:

• Stop the activity and move them somewhere cooler, if it is safe to do so. At work, activate the site’s emergency response procedure.
• If the person is confused, has slurred speech, has collapsed, has a seizure or becomes less responsive, tap the Netcare 911 call button on the Netcare app immediately to connect to the Netcare 911 emergency operations centre. The app’s geolocation function helps emergency medical teams locate you quickly and allows you to track the ambulance. 
• Begin cooling immediately while help is being arranged. Remove unnecessary outer clothing, wet the skin with cool water and apply cold, wet cloths. Fan the person to speed up cooling.
• Offer sips of cool water only if they are fully alert and swallowing normally. Do not give anything by mouth to someone who is confused, drowsy, unconscious, or having a seizure, or if heatstroke is suspected.
• Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve promptly with rest and cooling, or if the person vomits.

Make heat awareness part of the working day
Ramduth says that employers, occupational health teams and employees all have a role in recognising heat risks and responding early. Drinking water regularly (unless a doctor advises otherwise), taking appropriate recovery breaks in cooler areas, and allowing time to adjust to hot conditions can help reduce the risk. Effective ventilation, cooling, and the scheduling of strenuous tasks for cooler periods are also important.

“A colleague who notices a change in someone’s behaviour, an employee who speaks up about feeling unwell, or a team that begins cooling while emergency help is on the way can make a critical difference.

“Do not miss the warning signs or wait for someone to collapse. By recognising the danger and acting early, you can save a life, whether the person is working in the sun or under a roof,” he concludes.

Ends.

Notes to editors
Experience seamless healthcare access with the Netcare app. Enjoy convenient healthcare anytime, anywhere, with expert medical care at your fingertips. Book appointments, consult with GPs virtually and manage pre-admissions all in one place. From emergency response services with geolocation to seamless admission, discover a new level of care. Download the Netcare app today.

Alternatively, contact Netcare appointmed^TM on 0860 555 565, Mondays to Fridays, 08:00 to 17:00, to make an appointment with a therapist, doctor or specialist practising at a Netcare hospital, Netcare Medicross or Netcare Akeso facility near you.

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