Spanish Red Cross issues useful advice as first heatwave of the summer arrives

This weekend, the first heat wave of the summer is expected to hit Spain, with extreme temperatures that can affect health if basic prevention and response measures are not followed. To promote healthy habits that prevent or reduce the negative impact of extreme heat on our health, the Cruz Roja Española is launching the “En Guardia Contra El Calor” campaign – in English “On Guard Against the Heat”. This initiative adds three important aspects to the usual advice this year: proper storage of medications; special recommendations for people who work outdoors; and recommendations for properly protecting pets.

In the case of medications, the Cruz Roja reminds us that heat and humidity can alter their chemical composition, reducing their effectiveness or even making them dangerous. Therefore, it is recommended to keep them in cool, dry places and in their original containers.

Working outdoors in high temperatures also carries serious health risks. Active prevention is essential here. Among the essential measures to prevent heat exhaustion, dehydration, and other problems related to extreme heat, it is important to use and reapply water- and sweat-resistant sunscreen SPF 50+ every two hours, wear appropriate clothing, maintain constant hydration, and take frequent breaks. Working outdoors during heat waves also requires specific adjustments in organization, equipment, and personal behavior.

Regarding pets, the Cruz Roja reminds owners of the need to keep them hydrated, avoid walks during hot hours, cool their surroundings, never leave them locked in the car, monitor for signs of heat exhaustion, and, if these signs appear, remove them to a cool place, moisten their bodies with cool water, and take them to the veterinarian immediately.

How to Deal with Extreme Heat

In order to prevent or reduce problems caused by high temperatures in the general population, the Cruz Roja reminds the general public of a series of simple guidelines to implement in their daily lives so they can enjoy the heat and summer more safely.

• Hydration: Drink water and other fluids frequently, even if you don’t feel thirsty, regardless of the physical activity you engage in.
• Avoid Certain Types of Beverages: Do not consume caffeinated, alcoholic, or sugary beverages, as these can promote dehydration.
• Vulnerable Populations: Pay special attention to infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with illnesses that can be aggravated by heat (heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cancer, mobility problems, dementia, mental illness, and people with drug or alcohol abuse).
• Cool environments: Stay in cool, shaded, or air-conditioned places as much as possible, and cool off whenever you need to.
• Physical activity: Reduce physical activity and avoid outdoor sports during the hottest hours of the day.
• Appropriate clothing: It is recommended that clothing be light, loose, light-colored, and breathable.
• Vehicles: Never leave anyone or pets in a parked, closed vehicle, especially children, the elderly, or people with chronic illnesses.
• Medical consultation: If symptoms last more than an hour and may be related to high temperatures, consult your healthcare professional.
• Medications: Keep your medications in a cool place, as heat can alter their composition and effects.
• Diet: Eat light meals that help replace salts lost through sweat, such as salads, fruits, vegetables, and juices.

Direct Care for Vulnerable People

In addition to raising awareness and offering advice to the general population, the Cruz Roja carries out specific interventions with people who are especially vulnerable to extreme heat.

Thus, in the summer of 2024, as part of the seasonal campaign “En Guardia Contra el Calor,” the Cruz Roja assisted nearly 85,400 people, mobilizing a wide variety of resources and actions throughout the country.

The profile of the people served by the Cruz Roja in this type of action is primarily elderly – many of whom live alone – and those with chronic or neurodegenerative diseases as well as people with inadequate medical treatment follow-up and in vulnerable situations.

In Alicante, through the Regional Operations Center, the health and needs of more than 7,600 users of home telecare are currently being cared for through advice and follow-up. In addition to this work, the Cruz Roja is intensifying its street outings to assist at-risk groups and offer on-site advice. In collaboration with the AECC (Spanish Association of Community Workers), it is also holding talks to raise awareness about the importance of skin care during the summer.

More Information

En Guardia Contra el Calor – Cruz Roja