With temperatures in Calgary expected to soar higher than 30 degrees Celsius during the first weekend of Stampede, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is warning Calgarians to stay hydrated, seek shade and to use sunscreen.
Stuart Brideaux, the public education officer for EMS, said it’s important to drink a lot of water. He’s also asking people to moderate or temper their alcohol consumption by drinking water.
EMS said young children are a major concern, as they are the most susceptible to heat stroke and other emergencies.
“Their little bodies just don’t tolerate the heat and sun the same as a regular healthy adult. So you have to be very very proactive with children, especially if you are coming down to the grounds,” he said.
Brideaux adds children or pets should not be left in a hot vehicle under any circumstances.
“It’s simply never never a safe choice to do that. The temperature inside a parked vehicle, even in the shade, can rise in excess of 50 degrees Celsius and very very quickly that can cause a great dire medical emergency,” he said.