Children are more prone than adults to suffer heatstroke or heat exhaustion during the hot summer months because their bodies produce more heat during physical activity while their cooling mechanisms, such as sweating, are less developed, cautions Red Cross War Memorial children’s hospital emergency specialist Dr Shirani Naidoo
“Their higher body surface area to weight ratio increases their vulnerability to heatstroke, especially in hot and humid conditions,” she says.
Children also tend to become so absorbed in play that they don’t notice when they’re overheating or need to rest.
“For this reason, parents and caregivers need to remind children to drink water and take breaks in shaded, cool areas,” she says.
The hospital says there are several signs and symptoms of heatstroke and heat exhaustion look out for:
- High body temperature (40°C)
- Red, hot, and dry skin indicating reduced sweating.
- Rapid pulse or breathing.
- Fatigue or muscle cramps.
- Dizziness or confusion.
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Unconsciousness in extreme cases.
According to the World Health Organization, there are several ways to prevent heat stroke and heat illness among children and infants:
- Never leave children or animals in parked vehicles for any amount of time, as temperatures can quickly become dangerously high.
- Avoid direct exposure to the sun during peak hours, seeking shade or staying indoors instead.
- Do not cover an infant stroller or pram with dry fabric – this makes the temperature inside the carriage even hotter. Instead, use a wet, thin cloth which is kept damp to lower the temperature.
- Dress children in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers their skin, and use wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect them from the sun’s rays.
- Keep children hydrated with plenty of cool water and allow infants to breastfeed on demand.
- Any associated diarrhoea and or vomiting will cause a quicker and more severe deterioration and will need a higher fluid intake to stay safe.
ChildSafe South Africa executive director Zaitoon Rabaney says supervision is key.
“Keeping a close eye on children and staying vigilant for signs of heatstroke are crucial steps in ensuring children’s safety.“
Ms Rabaney says early detection and swift action can make all the difference. “By collectively staying informed and prepared, we can safeguard our children from heat-related illnesses and ensure they stay safe and healthy during the hottest months of the year.”
ChildSafe advises taking immediate action if a child shows any signs of heat exhaustion:
- Move the child to a cooler place: Find a shaded area or an air-conditioned environment where they can sit or lie down.
- Hydrate: Encourage the child to drink cool water slowly if they are conscious and alert. If the child has been sweating a lot, the standard oral rehydration solution in the Road to Health booklet (with sugar and salt in clean water) is cheap, effective, and easy to make up at home.
- Cool the body: Use a damp cloth, fan, or cool compresses to help lower body temperature.
- Remove unnecessary clothing and shoes: This can facilitate faster cooling.
Dr Rabaney says if the symptoms persist or worsen, it may indicate the onset of heatstroke.
“In such cases, seek immediate medical help by calling emergency services or heading to the closest health facility.”
Contact the children’s hospital at 021 658 5111 or call ChildSafe at 021 685 5208
