August is known to be a month when the temperature is higher than normal. The summer months can definitely be bothersome because of the heat, but even more so when a heat wave strikes. Six years ago, one of the worst and deadliest natural disasters in Europe for the last one hundred years struck the continent and took more than 30,000 lives. Majority of the casualties belong to the most vulnerable groups of the population: the chronically ill, the very young and the elderly.
While the recent weather has been rainy and overcast, it pays to still be prepared for whatever consequences that extreme weather conditions can bring. The weather can be very unpredictable, and so it wise to remember August 2003 and the lessons we can learn from that disastrous heat wave.
One of the Worst Natural Disasters in Europe
In France, the temperature soared to 104°F in some parts of the country. Paris, the capital of France, recorded the highest temperature that year since the government began recording temperatures in 1873.
On August 10, 2003, in the UK, a record-breaking temperature of 101.3 °F was recorded in Brogdale Orchards 1.6 km southwest of Faversham, Kent. London, on the other hand, experienced its first three-digit temperatures (in Fahrenheit) for the first time. An estimate of 900 people died from the heat that day.
Lessons Learned
The average body temperature of a person is at 98.6°F. The body tries to maintain this temperature even when subjected to extreme heat. This is done by adapting to the extreme temperature by varying blood circulation and perspiring. However, the body can only do so much. When body temperature gets past 104°F, vital organs become affected. The body can be dehydrated, some organs may begin to shut down or malfunction. If the temperature is not immediately brought down and stabilized to the ideal, death occurs.
The elderly are more are more susceptible to dehydration and have higher risk of heart attacks due to their old age. The risk increases as age increases. A research conducted in Athens, Greece, found an increase of mortality in people over the age of 70. And this is linked directly to a consistent rise in temperature and humidity. The elderly, when subjected to extreme heat, suffers a great blow to their circulatory system. This is among the many causes of death during the European Heat Wave of 2003.
Now government officials across the European have learned their lesson – to give adequate attention to heat wave planning and go the extra mile to make sure that the elderly are given specialized medical attention and assistance. The United Kingdom, as a preventive strategy, has begun to pay visits to the elderly – through inspecting nursing homes and occasionally visiting those who live alone.
Heat Wave Plans
Every year, the UK’s Department of Health releases Heat Wave Plans to inform the public and get them ready for the summer. In spite of the recent rainy and overcast weather, it is still very much important to be educated on these Heat Wave Plans. The weather can be very unpredictable, and it really pays to be prepared than sorry.
The following are the Heat Wave Plans for this year, courtesy of the Department of Health. Feel free to download the PDF files and share them with your family and friends. Remember, knowledge and preparedness can lessen the effects of what can be an even bigger disaster.
- UK Heat Wave Plan 2009
- Heatwave: a guide to looking after yourself and others during hot weather
- Heatwave: supporting vulnerable people before and during a heatwave: advice for care home managers and staff
- Heatwave: supporting vulnerable people before and during a heatwave: advice for health and social care professionals
August 21st, 2009 at 4:28 AM
Mobility Equipment UK…
a blog on mobility equipment, care and safety for the elderly and the disabled…
August 22nd, 2009 at 4:42 AM
Mobility Equipment UK…
a blog on mobility equipment, care and safety for the elderly and the disabled…
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