Despite extensive warnings, children and pets are still left inside cars while the
driver rushes into a store ‘only for a second’. The seconds become minutes and the
car reaches temperatures in excess of 65°C – unsustainable for life. The occupants
can become seriously ill or die of heatstroke.
A large number of heat wave victims, however, are middle-aged and considered healthy.
Strenuous outdoor activities, such as work or exercise, and excess alcohol or drugs
can lead to dehydration and the collapse of the body’s circulation or organs.
Most top athletes are aware of heat-related dangers and prepare accordingly. They
religiously replace the lost fluids and electrolytes. They are fit and acclimatize
before the competition. Of more concern are endurance sport events at a lower level
of competition, such as at schools and local clubs.
Unfortunately, many coaches are not aware of heat-related dangers or deliberately
ignore them: the ‘if you can’t stand the heat then get out of the kitchen’ attitude.
The aim of any club event organizer or coach should be to avoid injury. They should
take into consideration the severity of the weather condition and the fitness level
of the athletes. Simply postponing an event or scheduling it for the cooler part
of the day goes a long way in preventing injuries.
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention published age-related mortality
rates after the 1995 heat wave. The figures showed that 62% of the victims were 55
years or older. The elderly are less able to fend off the ill effects of extreme
heat and some already suffer from underlying health problems and may take medication
unsuitable for the heat.
Many elderly citizens require extra care during heat wave periods. This care is often
not available to people living alone or confined to bed due to physical and mental
impairments. Air conditioning is either not present or not operating due to the high
cost of electricity. Today local governments are making an effort to provide air
conditioned shelters and/or subsidize the electricity cost.
