Medically reviewed by Dr. Muhammad Ashraf Shera.
Warm weather is loved by the majority of us. But, when the weather is too hot then it brings many health risks with it. Prolonged heat wave and intense heat can cause a lot of serious conditions, ranging from cramps to strokes.
A heat wave is said to hit Karachi in the upcoming days from 1st of May to the 3rd of May. The Pakistan Metrological Department has put out a warning saying that the temperature may rise to an astonishing 42ºC. Therefore in these extreme weather conditions where your body finds it difficult to maintain a normal temperature, you need to educate yourself to beat the heat.
[Also Read: Heat Wave in Pakistan 2022]
The to-do list during a heat wave
- Keep out of direct sunlight and avoid heat-filled places.
- Postpone outdoor games and strenuous activities.
- Be in an air-conditioned room or use ceiling fans to promote air circulation.
- Go to public buildings with air-conditioning.
- Fill all of your bottles with water and keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes, sunglasses, and a cap.
- Avoid caffeine as it promotes dehydration.
- Don’t eat protein-based meals as this can increase the metabolic heat, therefore, warming your body.
- NEVER LEAVE YOUR KIDS AND PETS in closed/locked vehicles.
- Put your pets in a cool place and give them baths.
- Stock up on different flavored ORS(Oral Rehydration Solution) to prevent dehydration.
- Use energy-efficient appliances such as fridges, freezers, air purifiers etc.
- Insulate your ceilings and walls so that cool air does not escape the room.
- If someone faces any heat-related symptoms then contact your local doctor or call an ambulance (115).
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke- a magnified look into the symptoms
The symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Moist and pale skin
- Heavy sweating
- Rapid heart rate
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Exhaustion
The symptoms of a heat stroke include:
- Hot and red skin
- Heavy sweating
- High body temperature
- Skin feels dry
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Exhaustion
- Weak pulse rate
- Changes in consciousness
Checklist for after someone suffers a heat stroke
Stop panicking and instead follow this checklist if someone in your family or friends has been a victim of a heat stroke:
- Call the ambulance (115).
- Relocate the person to a cool area while waiting for emergency help.
- Remove any excess clothing and constantly wet skin with water.
- DO NOT GIVE THIS PERSON ANY FLUIDS TO DRINK.
- Do not give aspirin to reduce body temperature (These medicines might cause problems because of the body’s response to the heatstroke)
- Keep a check on the body temperature and continue cooling using a fan until the body’s temperature below 38°C.
- If it is taking time for the ambulance to come, then call hospitals emergency staff (numbers mentioned below) and seek instructions.
For heat exhaustion you need to do the following:
- Put the person in a cool place.
- Give cool fluids to the person except anything with caffeine.
- Loosen clothing and wet skin with water.
Collecting all the medical emergency numbers:
We are making a list of all the medical emergency numbers that you can contact if youor your loved one suffers from heat exhaustion or a heat stroke:
1. AMBULANCE NUMBERS
- Edhi Ambulance: 115 (All cities of Pakistan)
- Chhipa Ambulance: 1020 (Karachi)
- Aman Ambulance Service: 1021 (Karachi)
2. MEDICAL SERVICES
- Edhi Centre: 021-32827844/021-34435129 (Karachi)
- Aga Khan University Hospital: 021-111-911-911 (Karachi)
- Jinnah Hospital: 021-99201300 (Karachi)
- Hamdard University Hospital: 021-32782770 (Karachi)
- Liaquat National Hospital: 021-111456456 (Karachi)
- Ziauddin Hospital: 021-35862937 (Karachi)
The temperature can be pretty unforgiving this summer, so hydrate yourself and avoid going out much. Remember, your appointments, work and other things can wait but health waits for no one! So keep yourself in check, and contact your local emergency centers if you face any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Guest Post Credit: Asma Qadri
