Calgary heat wave: Avoid illness with water, sunscreen, EMS says

An Environment Canada heat warning continues for Calgary Thursday and it is expected to last well into the weekend, prompting EMS to remind people to stay sun safe.

Temperatures nearing 30 C with combined overnight lows near 14 C Wednesday resulted in the launch of the warning for most of southern Alberta

Emergency medical professionals say seniors, young children, and people with pre-existing conditions are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

Adam Loria, an EMS public education officer, says there are a few ways to stay safe from the heat.

Read more: Calgary under heat warning: Environment Canada

“One of the keys is staying hydrated, specifically with water. Ideally, hydration with water should begin 12 to 24 hours before being outside for an extended amount of time. But again, as long as you can replenish your body throughout your time outside or in the warm weather with water, that’s definitely beneficial,” he said.

“As well, protect your skin.”

The best way to do that is to wear long sleeves or pants, but if that’s not possible, Loria recommends applying sunscreen and wearing a hat and sunglasses.

He explains there are some signs that the heat is becoming dangerous.

If you experience fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, or if your skin is cool and moist, the educator says that’s a sign of heat-related illness, and it’s likely time to get inside.

However, Loria says if you can recognize those signs early and mitigate them with water, the symptoms should resolve themselves.

But, in some cases, a trip to the hospital may be necessary.