NSW: Take care during Oz Day heat wave, ambos warn
23 Jan 2009 11:39 AM
SYDNEY, Jan 23 AAP - Scorching temperatures are in store across NSW over the Australia Day long weekend following a week of sweltering temperatures.
Weekend day-time temperatures are expected to remain in the high 30s across NSW after almost a week of hot weather.
In Sydney, the minimum temperature on Thursday night was a balmy 25 degrees, the Bureau of Meteorology says.
It is only the 17th time since records began 150 years ago that Sydney has sweltered through such night-time temperatures.
The NSW Ambulance Service is urging people to take care during celebrations over the long weekend to avoid being a victim of the heat.
It says the elderly and very young in particular should stay out of the sun and anyone outdoors should carry plenty of water, wear protective clothing and use sun-block.
Outdoor exercise or strenuous physical activity should be avoided, especially in the middle of the day.
Possible symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea and vomiting, faintness, dizziness, loss of appetite, weakness and headache.
Anyone suffering these symptoms should be laid down on their side and cool, wet towels should be applied around their neck and under the arms.
Cool fluids should also be consumed.
Severe symptoms may include confusion, fitting, severe headache or collapse.
