Switzerland is currently experiencing a prolonged heatwave, with MeteoSwiss issuing Level 3 and Level 4 heat warnings across many regions. High daytime temperatures combined with warm nights make it increasingly difficult for our bodies to cool down and recover.
Every summer, emergency departments see patients with preventable illnesses caused by extreme temperatures. Recognising the warning signs and knowing how to respond could save a life.
Key takeaways
- Heat exhaustion is treatable, recognise it early.
- Heat stroke is a medical emergency, call 144 immediately.
- Older adults, young children, pregnant women and outdoor workers are most at risk.
- Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity outside in the heat.
- Check on vulnerable family, friends and neighbours.
Our bodies function best when our core temperature is close to 37°C. This is carefully regulated by the hypothalamus, the body’s thermostat, located in the brain.
When we become too hot, the body has several ways of losing heat:
- Blood vessels near the skin widen (vasodilation), allowing warm blood to circulate close to the skin where heat can be lost.
- We sweat. As sweat evaporates from the skin, it removes heat and cools the body.
Normally, when the body’s core temperature is warmer than the skin, this temperature difference allows heat to move out of the body efficiently.
However, during very hot weather, particularly when humidity is high, this cooling system becomes much less effective. The temperature difference between the body and the external environment narrows, sweat evaporates less readily, and the body struggles to lose heat. Add physical activity, which generates even more body heat, and the risk of heat-related illness rises significantly.
Who is most at risk?
Anyone can develop heat-related illness, but the highest-risk groups include:
- Older adults, particularly those with chronic medical conditions.
- Babies and young children.
- Pregnant women.
- People working outdoors.
- Athletes and anyone exercising vigorously in the heat.
- People taking medications that affect sweating or fluid balance, such as diuretics, some blood pressure medications and certain psychiatric medications.
Heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses excessive water and salts through sweating and is no longer able to cool itself effectively so that the core body temperature rises above 38°C. Prolonged exercise, or work in hot conditions are particular risk factors.
Symptoms
- Pale, clammy, sweaty skin
- Feeling weak or dizzy
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle cramps
- Fast pulse and rapid breathing
- Headache
- Feeling cold or shivery despite being hot
What should you do?
Remember the four Ss:
- Shade – Move to a cool, shaded or air-conditioned place and lie down.
- Strip – Remove unnecessary clothing.
- Spray – Cool the skin with cool water using a spray bottle, shower or hose.
- Fan – Use a fan to increase evaporation and cooling.
Drink plenty of water. Oral rehydration salts or isotonic drinks can help replace electrolytes if available.
Most people improve quickly with prompt treatment. However, if symptoms do not improve, worsen, or the person becomes confused or less responsive, seek urgent medical attention as heat exhaustion may be progressing to heat stroke.
Heat stroke – a medical emergency
Heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature regulation fails completely and the core temperature rises above 40°C. Without rapid treatment it can lead to brain injury, organ failure and death.
Heat stroke often follows prolonged exercise in the heat or prolonged exposure to very hot weather. Children and older adults are particularly vulnerable because their ability to regulate temperature is less effective.
Symptoms
- Confusion, agitation or unusual behaviour
- Severe headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Reduced consciousness or unconsciousness
- Hot, flushed, dry skin (there is no sweating)
Treatment
Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
- Move the person out of the heat immediately.
- Call 144 (or 1414 if mountain rescue is required).
- Begin rapid cooling without delay.
The fastest cooling methods are:
- Whole-body immersion (neck down) in cold water.
- Ice packs placed on the neck, armpits and groin.
- Ice Tarpaulin Assisted Cooling with Oscillation (TACO), where available.
- Cold shower or hose combined with vigorous fanning.
Continue cooling until the person is fully alert, or 15 minutes of cooling have taken place – whichever is first – or until emergency medical services take over.
If the person becomes unconscious, has a seizure or requires CPR, life-saving treatment should take place with rapid cooling continued alongside wherever possible.
Staying safe during a heatwave
Fortunately, most heat-related illness is preventable.
Simple measures can make a big difference:
- Drink regularly throughout the day, even before you feel thirsty.
- Avoid strenuous exercise outdoors.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
- Stay in the shade or in air-conditioned environments where possible.
- Keep blinds or curtains closed during the day and ventilate your home overnight if temperatures allow.
- Check regularly on elderly relatives, neighbours and anyone living alone.
- Never leave children or pets in parked cars, even for a few minutes.
As Switzerland experiences more frequent and more intense heatwaves, recognising the early signs of heat-related illness and acting quickly can prevent serious complications and save lives.
