FIVE people are reported to have been diagnosed or presented with sunburn, heatstroke or sunstroke at the Emergency Department at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) in Enniskillen following the unprecedented heatwave that has hit Fermanagh and the rest of Northern Ireland this week.

These statistics were provided to The Impartial Reporter by the Western Health and Social Care Trust on Tuesday.

An Amber extreme heat warning was announced by the Met Office for Wednesday, July 21 and is currently in place in Fermanagh and across Northern Ireland until Friday.

In Fermanagh alone, temperatures have soared to highs of 29C in the past few days.

With the current heatwave, the Western Trust is advising everyone to stay safe and well in the sun.

The main risks posed by the hot weather are not drinking enough water (dehydration); overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people with existing heart or respiratory conditions; heatstroke and sunburn/sun blisters.

Over the past six weeks (June 1 to July 16), the Western Trust has treated 35 people at its Emergency Departments and Urgent Care and Treatment Centre for similar issues.

Needing medical treatment should be avoidable by taking the correct precautions. In the sun, people are advised to:

  • Look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with an underlying health condition;
  • Spend as little time in the sun as possible;
  • Cover up with light, loose clothing;
  • Drink plenty of water, as sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you more dehydrated;
  • Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat, if you have to go out in the heat;
  • Never leave anyone or any animal in a closed, parked vehicle;
  • Avoid physical exertion, especially during the hottest part of the day.

For further information on how to stay safe in the sun, see www.careinthesun.org.

As of the time of going to print, NI Water had not introduced a hosepipe ban in Northern Ireland. A spokeswoman for NI Water said: "At this point in time, NI Water is not introducing a hosepipe ban.

"The situation is however being closely monitored, and if the demand we have seen in recent days continues, NI Water will have to consider the possibility of a hosepipe ban in order to protect water supplies.”

Although a hosepipe ban is not currently in place, NI Water are asking the public to cut their water usage. Des Nevin, Director of Customer Operations, said: “If demand continues at this level it will lead to failures in our network and some customers will lose supply or suffer low pressure.

"A number of customers over the past few days are already experiencing this, especially those on high ground. We are asking our customers to help us, especially over the next few days when temperatures continue to be high.

“We want everyone to enjoy their home and garden – we just need people to think about how they use their water and if what they are doing is essential," he said.

As the high temperatures continue, pet owners are also being urged to ensure that their companion is kept safe from the heat.

Colleen Tinnelly, from the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said: “We’re asking the public to keep their responsibilities as pet owners front and centre during this time.

"It is really important for them to be aware of their pets’s needs, ensuring that they have adequate shade and access to clean and cool water. It’s also vital to recognise that different breeds may feel the effects of the heat more than others."

If you are concerned for the wellbeing of an animal confined in a car on a warm day, you can contact the Animal Welfare Department at the Council, who can offer advice, help identify the owner, and ensure the animal is freed from danger.

For overall pet safety during the summer months, keep these tips in mind:

  • Pets can become dehydrated more easily on warm or humid days, so make sure they have access to fresh, clean water;
  • Make sure you understand the symptoms of overheating in pets, which includes increased heart or respiratory rate, weakness, excessive panting or difficulty breathing, drooling, or an exhaustive, semi-unconscious state, and if exposed to extreme heats, more severe symptoms include seizures, bloody diarrhoea, and vomiting;
  • With very high temperatures, be mindful of tarmac heat, as this may burn the pads of your pets’ paws – regularly cool them with water, and keep walks to a minimum during peak times of the day; and
  • Never leave a pet in a parked car.