Image from: dancesafe.org

Summer is already pounding on Qatar residents and the sun seems to have no mercy as the days go by. The realization of the fact that summer doesn’t plan on getting any cooler or kinder in the days ahead makes it even more difficult. So I guess we have to prepare for the battle ahead and stay vigilant.

Among the many illnesses and health conditions that people face in summer, heat stroke or sunstroke is one of the most serious. It’s a heat injury and is considered a medical emergency. It can even prove to be fatal and kill organs. But it’s also something we can avoid and treat. So why not educate ourselves and defeat the merciless sun stroke. Let’s do this!

People most at risk of heat stroke

• Babies and toddlers.

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women.

• People with medical conditions of the heart and blood.

Symptoms of heat stroke

Please look out for these warning signs for yourself and others.

• Throbbing headache

• Dizziness

• Lack of sweating despite the killing heat

• Pale skin and muscle weakness

• Nausea

• Rapid heartbeat

Prevention

These are the steps you can take to avoid a heat stroke

• Loose-fitting and lightweight clothing

• Avoid sunburn (wear sunglasses, apply sunscreen lotion, wear wide brimmed hat)

• Consume plenty of water (even if you are fasting, keep a water bottle with you in case of emergency)

• Never leave anyone in parked cars. PLEASE!

• Leave stressful physical labor for cooler parts of the day, take breaks in-between.

• Spend little time working in the heat, especially if you aren’t used to hot weather.

Treating a heat stroke

You can give first aid to the person who faints due to heat stroke. If your co- worker goes outside to work and doesn’t return for a long time, please go and check on them. These are the steps you can take to help others:

• Immediately call 999. Delaying the case can be fatal.

• While waiting for the paramedics to arrive, start first aid.

• Move the person to an AC room or a cooler area.

• Remove unnecessary clothing.

• Fan air over the patient while wetting their skin with water.

• Apply cold packs to the patient’s neck, armpits and groin.

We hope this was useful to all. Please look out for yourself and others around you. Don’t stress yourself so much and be vigilant.

Source: mayoclinic.org, betterhealth.vic.gov.au, webmd.com

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