Heatwave on the Class Trip: Prevention, Emergency Measures, and Alternative Programs
A heatwave during a class trip poses a serious health challenge. As a teacher, it is your duty to ensure the safety of your students through proactive planning and decisive action.
1. Prevention: Getting Ahead of the Heat
- Adjust the Daily Schedule: Move all strenuous activities (city explorations, sports) to the cool morning hours (before 11 AM) or the late afternoon (after 5 PM).
- Hydration Plan: Institute mandatory drinking breaks (at least every 30-45 minutes), even if students don't feel thirsty. Every student should have their own reusable water bottle.
- Clothing and Sun Protection: Insist on light, bright clothing, head coverings, and sunglasses. Ensure sunscreen (SPF 30+) is applied regularly.
- Seek Shade: Choose routes and break spots that offer sufficient shade.
2. Emergency Measures: Recognizing Signs and Acting
Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
- Heat Exhaustion (Warning Signs): Heavy sweating, pale and clammy skin, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness.
Actions: Immediately move the student to the shade, have them lie down, loosen tight clothing, offer cool (not ice-cold) drinks, place cool, wet cloths on their forehead and neck.
- Heatstroke (LIFE-THREATENING): High body temperature, hot, red, dry skin, rapid breathing, confusion, possible loss of consciousness.
Actions: CALL EMERGENCY SERVICES (112) IMMEDIATELY! Move the person to the shade, remove clothing, cool their body with wet cloths until medical help arrives.
3. Alternative Programs for Hot Days
Always have a Plan B ready for the hot midday period:
- Water Activities: A visit to an outdoor swimming pool, a lake, or simply water games in a shady park.
- Air-Conditioned Places: A visit to a museum, cinema, planetarium, or a modern library.
- Quiet Indoor Activities: A workshop, a reading hour, or a movie together at the accommodation.
A heatwave requires an adjustment of the program. The safety and health of the students always take precedence over the planned schedule.