PARAMEDICS have urged central Victorians to take health safety seriously despite the mild weather, after soaring callout numbers.
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Throughout December the Loddon Mallee had about a 10 per cent rise in its caseload staff say, even with few extreme heat events.
Ambulance Victoria Greater Bendigo acting senior care manager Paul Treloar said it was important people get summer smart across the board, urging safety in everything from heat to pools, to wearing insect repellent.
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Mr Treloar said people should try to stay cool and safe in the heat, as some conditions such as heatstroke were often fatal.
He urged people to know the signs of heat exhaustion - including dizziness, headaches, and a rapid heart-rate - and heatstroke - including confusion, seizures, unconsciousness, collapse and stroke-like symptoms.
If anyone has heatstroke symptoms, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Mr Treloar said trips to beat the summer heat were straightforward: drink lots of water regularly, carry water, avoid drinking too much alcohol in the heat, use your air conditioner if possible, wear a hat and avoid going out in the hottest part of the day.
He said people should check on any older neighbours.
Mr Treloar said children, pets and elderly people should never be left in parked cars, because the temperature inside could double in minutes.
He also urged adults to supervise their children near water, and know the children's limits. He said Ambulance Victoria went to 528 children locked in cars across the state last summer.
Find out more at: betterhealth.vic.gov.au/heat
In an emergency call Triple Zero (000).
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