WARNING ON HEATSTROKE THIS SUMMER
In line with the Department of Health’s recent advisory on heatstroke, Olongapo Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. has tasked the City Health Office, the Disaster Management Office and the Public Affairs Office to disseminate information regarding the said summer disease that the people may experience this summer.
“ Heatstroke is a severe form of heat illness when the body overheats and can’t cool down. Vigorous exercise in hot weather, dehydration or too much direct exposure to the sun may cause heatstroke,” said City Health Officer Dr. Arnildo Tamayo, echoing the DOH advisory .
“Warm flushed skin, faintness, dizziness, weakness, headache are the signs of heatstroke and may progress to an emergency conditions such as high fever of 41 C, rapid heartbeat, convulsion, delirium, unconsciousness if left untreated,” he added.
On the other hand, DMO Chief Angie Layug said that “on this very hot weather, we should limit the amount of time we spend outdoors or schedule heavy-duty activities for the beginning or end of the day, when it’s cooler.” “Hindi natin pinagbabawalan ang mga tao na mag-enjoy lalo na ngayon at dinadagsa ang ating mga beach at resort areas. Ngunit upang maiwasan ang mga ganitong sakuna, dapat ay maging cautious din tayo at preventive.
Kapag sobrang init na, sumilong muna tayo, lalo na ang mga bata, drink plenty of water at iwasan muna ang tea, coffee, soda at alcohol ngayong mainit ang panahon,” Layug, who has years of experience in emergency response and rescue, added.
The DMO chief also advised one should wear a wide-brimmed hat , light colored and comfortable clothing when going outdoors.
Moreover, the DOH and the DMO advise the following emergency measures on dealing with heatstroke:
1.Move the person to a shady spot or indoors and have them lie down with their legs elevated. If they’re conscious, have them sip cool water.
2.Remove clothing, apply cool water to the skin and fan them.
3.Apply ice packs to the armpits, wrists, ankles and groin.
4.Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call for medical help and bring the patient immediately to the hospital after instituting emergency measures.
Meanwhile, according to the PAG-ASA 24-hour weather forecast, temperature in SBMA-Olongapo and Clark Zone-Angeles City will range from 24-33 C for the next four days.