...in the Sun

During the Summer months, the Accident and Emergency department at the Leicester Royal Infirmary becomes overcrowded with people suffering from sporting injuries and the ill effects of too much sun and alcohol. Waiting times increase significantly and people requiring emergency attention cannot get the treatment they need quickly.

With our helpful guide, you will get a faster solution to your problem and may save yourself an agonising wait in Casualty.

Sun Safety Tips

 Enjoy the weather but try to stay cool. Avoid going outside between 11am and 3pm as this is the hottest part of the day
 Spend time in the shade and avoid strenuous activity 
 Help others- Check up on neighbours, relatives and friends who may be less able to look after themselves (for example, if they have mobility problems) 
 It is more important to keep yourself and others cool if you or they have a heart or respiratory condition. If symptoms become worse, seek medical advice 
 Drink water or fruit juice regularly. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol. If you do drink alcohol make sure you have water or other non-alcoholic drinks, too
 Apply sun cream throughout the day
 Wear a hat.


Self Care

Many summer illnesses such as sunburn, dehydration and heat exhaustion can be treated at home. Make sure your medicine cabinet is well stocked with sun lotion, after-sun and rehydration sachets.

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Severe heat can cause heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Keeping yourself cool will reduce the risk of illness. If you start to feel unwell, it's important to seek medical advice.

The symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
 headaches 
 dizziness 
 nausea and vomiting 
 muscle weakness or cramps 
 pale skin 
 a high temperature.
If this happens, move somewhere cool and drink plenty of water or fruit juice. If you can, take a lukewarm shower, or sponge yourself down with cold water.

Heatstroke can develop if heat exhaustion is left untreated, but it can also occur suddenly and without warning.
Symptoms of heatstroke include:
 headaches 
 nausea 
 intense thirst 
 sleepiness 
 hot, red and dry skin 
 a sudden rise in temperature 
 confusion 
 aggression 
 convulsions
 loss of consciousness.

If you suspect someone has heatstroke, call 999 immediately. Heatstroke can result in irreversible damage to your body, including the brain, or death.

NHS Direct

NHS Direct is available 24 hours a day for free confidential health advice. They can also put you in touch with local health services. NHS Direct can be accessed by:

Telephone 0845 4647

www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk