​Heat Exhaustion is downright horrible and Heat Stroke is life threatening.

​It is best of course to stay out of the sun but this isn’t always enough for some of us! This morning in the sun just west of Brisbane it was 37.9ºc at 10:30am.

​Sometime just being in a hot environment can cause heat absorption, also the body produces a lot of heat when there is increased activity but even, in this heat, that is not always a must. Especially for the very young, those who are pregnant & the older ones among us, but also for those working in an environment where there is lack of ventilation such as a shed or factory, not to mention those having to work outside or in protective clothing.
Some people may be affected quicker due to infection, or a viral illness, those taking medications that affect the way the body regulates the bodies heat or lack of hydration from a few possibilities such as alcohol (as this dehydrates the body) & lack of fluid intake. This is certainly not an extensive list, just some ideas!

Prevention is the key!

• Keep Cool (Air conditioning/fan/water)
• Stay in the shade
• Try and stay in well-ventilated areas
• Lots of fluid intake
• Dress to the conditions
• Wear a hat
• Seek medical attention or call 000 if concerned

 
For the difference between Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke check out our blog post
 
https://www.b-readyfirstaid.com.au/blog/whats-the-difference-between-heat-exhaustion-heat-stroke

 Yes, I think you might have a clue from the picture, that this relates primarily to those carrying a child & typically in the last trimester of pregnancy or when visually pregnant.

Specifically speaking about the inferior vena cava as it is the largest vein in the body and carries de-oxygenated blood from the lower part of the body back to the heart & lungs to be re-oxygenated. The blood enters back into the heart through the right atrium of the heart. It also has valves to stop blood flowing, in a downward direction with gravity. Isn’t the body marvellously made!

​A vein is not like an artery that, which has thicker vessel walls. Therefore, this large diameter vein actually has very thin walls and can be put under pressure causing the blood traveling back to the heart to be either restricted or even completely stopped.
It lies to the right side of the vertebral column in the abdominal cavity.

​Why do we think of this for those mum’s to be? Imagine if the blood flow is limited to both mum and bub during a first aid emergency. If CPR is required start straight away don’t delay and if there is something you can utilize available, chock up her right hip at approximately 15-30 ◦. We suggest something such as a rolled-up towel, jumper, her handbag, pillow or cushion. This will move the baby and fluid etc to her left off the uterus and off the right side where this major vein is located. This is not to compromise the quality of compression's so it is best if their shoulders remain flat. 

​If your casualty is unconscious and breathing normally then there is no need to commence CPR, PHEW! However, they still need to be placed into the recovery position and guess which side that should be!

​This is stated in the Australian Resuscitation Council ANZCOR Guideline 6- Compression's ‘There are no published studies of optimum positioning in pregnant women undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) so recommendations to date are extrapolated from manikin studies or studies of pregnant women who are not in cardiac arrest.’