The temperature is high, and the sun is in full effect, but the heat level is over. Saskatchewan can be dangerous.
While many people can take advantage of the chilly weather, experts say people need to be cautious while they are outside.
“People are out and about enjoying the summer. “They forget about drinking water while taking a break from the sun,” says Adam Federou, an advanced care paramedic at Medawi Health Services Saskatoon.
He adds that people should remember to do something to cool down, “like getting into the water, taking a break in the shade.”
Federou says he gets more 911 calls for heat-related illnesses when temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius.
“People with everything from muscle cramps to severe heat stroke where they are confused, perhaps unconscious, need 911 care or emergency room care.”
The scorching sun is no picnic for people in outdoor industries such as construction, landscaping and roofing. The majority have to overcome the clock and adapt to stay safe.
“Don’t spend too much time in the heat,” says Greg Wintringham, owner of Wintingham Terrace in Saskatoon.
“You spend too much time on the terrace in the heat, you get a headache. You start having a headache, you want to get off the roof. You don’t want to faint when you’re 20 feet in the air.”
Wintingham says it’s easier said than done in these circumstances.
“The hardest part is trying to park your ego,” Wintringham says. While you may want to stay and get things done, you may actually need to go home, he explains.
“2 p.m., when it’s above 35, is a great time to go home,” Wintringham says. “Go home, take a cold shower, sit in the backyard, put your feet in the pool, play with the kids.”
He also says that if you are not taking proper measures, you are fighting a losing battle.
“You can’t beat Mother Nature, she wins every time,” he says.
Another important aspect to keep in mind is to protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun.
“Make sure you put on sunscreen, as well as a hat,” says Simon Kapas, medical health officer for the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
Kapaz says that children and the elderly are believed to be at higher risk of heat-related illnesses. Federou says the homeless population is also at great risk.
“They sometimes don’t have the ability to get out in the sun. They may not have the financial means to buy water or electrolyte-rich beverages, stuff like that,” Federeau says. “If they’re going somewhere they often have to travel long distances.”
Federou says he hopes people keep an eye on each other throughout this week.
“Just enjoy yourself, but if you see someone who is probably suffering from heat stroke that you are concerned about, especially if they have become so hot that they have stopped sweating now, or They’re really confused, confused, or unconscious, so it’s definitely time to get that person to the emergency room or call 911,” Federeau says.
The emergency management organization activated the extreme heat “response plan” to support residents in Saskatoon.
The city of Saskatoon said residents should remain calm, take appropriate sun protection measures and be good neighbors to the most vulnerable.
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