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Risk Groups

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention published age-related mortality rates after the 1995 heat wave. The figures showed that 62% of the victims were 55 years or older. The elderly are less able to fend off the ill effects of extreme heat and some already suffer from underlying health problems and may take medication unsuitable for the heat.

Many elderly citizens require extra care during heat wave periods. This care is often not available to people living alone or confined to bed due to physical and mental impairments. Air conditioning is either not present or not operating due to the high cost of electricity. Today local governments are making an effort to provide air conditioned shelters and/or subsidize the electricity cost.

Despite extensive warnings, children and pets are still left inside cars while the driver rushes into a store ‘only for a second’. The seconds become minutes and the car reaches temperatures in excess of 65°C – unsustainable for life. The occupants can become seriously ill or die of heatstroke.

A large number of heat wave victims, however, are middle-aged and considered healthy. Strenuous outdoor activities, such as work or exercise, and excess alcohol or drugs can lead to dehydration and the collapse of the body’s circulation or organs.

Most top athletes are aware of heat-related dangers and prepare accordingly. They religiously replace the lost fluids and electrolytes. They are fit and acclimatize before the competition. Of more concern are endurance sport events at a lower level of competition, such as at schools and local clubs.

Unfortunately, many coaches are not aware of heat-related dangers or deliberately ignore them: the ‘if you can’t stand the heat then get out of the kitchen’ attitude. The aim of any club event organizer or coach should be to avoid injury. They should take into consideration the severity of the weather condition and the fitness level of the athletes. Simply postponing an event or scheduling it for the cooler part of the day goes a long way in preventing injuries.

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