Keep your cool as temps set to heat up in region

ELEVEN people were taken to hospital by ambulance in the Darling Downs in December as hotter temperatures put the heat on.

And with this week’s outlook on track for temperatures to remain above 30 degrees, the Queensland Ambulance Service is urging people to keep hydrated and be sun-smart.

“We know it’s going to be hot so let’s take some precautions,” Darling Downs QAS senior operations supervisor Stephen Johns said.

“If you’re working in the sun or the heat of the day, try doing that in the morning or the afternoons,

not in the middle of the day.

“But if you do have to be out there, keep hydrated, drink plenty of water, wear a hat and sunscreen and remain in the shade as much as possible.”

Mr Johns said it was vital to keep a closer eye on elderly neighbours and young children in the hotter temperatures.

“The elderly and the young are quite susceptible to heat-related illnesses,” he said.

“If you know of somebody who may be in a house by themselves they may lock it up and keep the windows closed, so it’s well worth checking on them.

“Don’t leave (children) in vehicles which can increase (in temperature) quite considerably in a short period of time and can lead to death and heat related illnesses.

“We have had some heat-related illness cases over the past month, but nothing of significance and not a great increase of heat related illness.”

Phone 000 if anyone is showing signs of heat stress.