With temperatures reaching above 30 degrees Celsius in the summer months, hot weather safety is important when using your mobility scooter. Too much exposure to the sun on hot days can raise your body temperature enough to cause heat exhaustion or heatstroke. In hot weather it is easy to become dehydrated or for your body to overheat. This can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heatstroke. If not treated immediately, heatstroke can result in permanent damage to your vital organs or even death. Extreme heat can also worsen existing medical conditions. For wheelchair and mobility scooter users, increased temperatures can make it more challenging to stay cool and comfortable.
Those at increased risk of heat-related illnesses:
- 65+ years
- Heart or respiratory disease or circulatory diseases
- Diabetes, kidney disease or mental illness
- Medications that may affect how your body reacts to heat
- Allergy medicines
- Blood pressure and heart medicines
- Seizure medicines
- Diuretics
- Anti-depressants or anti-psychotics
- Disability
- Mobility
- Overweight or obese
Plan
It is important to plan your trips and prepare ahead as the weather warms up into the summer months. Check the weather forecast. Ask your doctor if you have any health conditions that could place you at greater risk of heat-related illness and how to best manage these conditions in hot weather. Plan your trips for the cooler times of the day. Take a mobile phone with you to call a friend or family member if you need assistance.
Maintenance
Ensure the batteries for your mobility scooter are fully charged and your mobility scooter is regularly serviced.
Shade
Our awning is very popular in the summer months. It’s extra-wide, giving you the extra protection required on those sunny days. Staying in the shade helps to keep your body cool and prevent heat-related illness. Check the UV alerts and use sunscreen to prevent sunburns. Eat smaller, cold meals, such as fruit and salads to help keep you cool and assist in hydration.
Other important things to consider include:
- Keep out of the heat as much as possible
- Drink plenty of water
- Carry a bottle of water with you
- Eat small meals more often
- Eat cold food like salads and fruit
- Make sure food that needs refrigeration is properly stored
- Stay out of the sun
- Take with you a handheld and/or misting fan
- Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibres
- Cover parts of your body that may come in contact with hot areas of your scooter
- Wear a hat and put on sunscreen
- Apply a damp cloth to your neck and other pressure points on your body
- Never leave animals alone on a mobility scooter
- Ensure animals have water and plenty of shade
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast
- Know who to call if you need help
- Talk to the doctor about how the heat might affect you.
- If you feel unwell, seek medical advice from your doctor or nearest hospital.
