NSW: Ambulance service urges people to stay safe in the heat
06 Jan 2009 12:07 PM
With scorching temperatures expected across most of New South Wales today .. elderly people and children are being urged to avoid physical activity in the middle of the day and to stay hydrated.
The Ambulance Service advises people to stay in the shade as much as possible .. with paramedics being called out to a lot of heat-related incidents including fainting and heat exhaustion.
The weather bureau says temperatures in western Sydney suburbs will soar .. with Penrith expected to reach a maximum of 41 .. Richmond 39 and Parramatta 28.
And in the state's far north-west .. Ivanhoe's expected to reach 41 and Bourke 39 .. while in the north-east .. Tamworth's expected to peak at 37 .. and Moree and Narrabri at 38.
Sea breezes in coastal areas will keep temperatures down.
The bureau says the hot temperatures are expected to last for most of the week despite a cool front moving through on Wednesday.
The ambulance service has also reminded people not to leave children shut in a hot car .. and says breastfeeding mothers should feed their babies more often.
Heat exhaustion symptoms include vomiting .. fainting and dizziness.
Anyone affected should rest and use wet towels to cool down.
