Pune: Due to rising heat, PMC suggests preventive measures and remedies for heat stroke

As the daytime temperatures in Pune are almost touching 40 degrees Celsius and the skies are clear, the possibility of heat stroke while venturing out is very high unless adequate precautions are taken.

What is Heat Stroke

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death if the person does not receive emergency treatment.

Pune Municipal Corporation has suggested a few refreshing tips to safeguard against a heatstroke and some remedies to recover from a heat stroke.

Reasons and Symptoms of Heat Stroke

Reasons

• Hard labor outdoors
• Work in a place with high temperature and insufficient air circulation
• Wearing tight clothing

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

• Nausea, Vomiting, and fatigue
• Dehydration and dizziness
• Increase in blood pressure, fainting
• High fever, lack of sweating

Precautions Against Heat stroke

• Hard labour should be done early in the morning or in the evening when the temperature is low.
• Wear white or light colored loose cotton clothes.
• Drink water, lemonade, lassi, buttermilk, coconut water regularly.
• Use goggles, hat, towel, umbrella etc. while going out in the sun.
• Use Coolers, air conditioners, curtains.
• Don’t make children or pets sit in outdoor parked vehicles.

Contact the nearest municipal health center or hospital immediately if you witness symptoms of heatstroke.

How to take care of a heat stroke patient

• Try to lower patient’s body temperature by first bringing the patient to a shaded area.
• Loosen the patient’s clothes immediately and wash the body with cold water.
• Keep the patient in a ventilated and cool room and switch on room’s fans/coolers/AC immediately.
• Give cold water, ORS immediately after the patient regains consciousness
• Take care that the patient does not suffer from dehydration during this period

For further treatment, contact the nearest municipal health center or hospital immediately.

Though the precautions and remedies may seem simple and obvious, it is better to be aware of the possibility of a heat stroke during summers and know the precautions, symptoms, and remedies to be completely prepared to deal with any such condition and enjoy the season’s bounties to their fullest!

Note: All precautions, symptoms, and remedies suggested by Pune Municipal Corporation.