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SYDNEY has recorded its hottest day on record, and residents have not been spared from the damaging health affects that extreme temperatures can cause.
Thousands of evellers have braved 46 degree temperatures to listen to their favourite singers and bands at the annual Big Day Out music festival at Olympic Park, Homebush today.
Deputy commander of St Johns Ambulance NSW Josh Emanuel said there was an increase in the amount of festival attendees visiting a St Johns Ambulance at the festival.
‘‘We have treated over 200 people so far [4.30pm] but that is a combination of sprains, strains, cuts to dehydration and heat stroke, ’’he said.
‘‘I would definitely say it’s an increase in the amount of people coming to see us.
‘‘It’s obviously quite hot and a lot of people have been coming to us with mild dehydration to just needing a cool place to sit.’’
Westmead Hospital spokesperson said no patients had been admitted suffering from heat related illnesses so far.
A spokeswoman from The Children’s Hospital at Westmead also said there were no children who had been admitted to the hospital with heat related illnesses.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate and shallow breathing.
Certain people are at higher risk than others of suffering from heat related illness, including those who are aged over 75 years, overweight, pregnant, breastfeeding, work outside, exercise in the heat, or have a medical illness.
NSW Health reminds people to:
■ Drink plenty of water
■ Minimise physical activity
■ Avoid alcoholic, hot or sugary drinks
■ Wear light coloured, loose fitting clothes made from natural fibres like cotton
■ Take cool showers or baths
■ Cool your house by shading windows, shutting curtains and, if it’s safe to do so, opening windows at night to let in cool air