Develop and issue standard guidelines for the public to follow in order to avoid heatstroke on hot summer days
LAHORE: This is with reference to the deadly heatwave that has hit Karachi in recent days, claiming over 1,000 lives. Whether the reason of the deaths is dehydration, unavailability of water or power cuts, one should know the standard protocols to avoid heatstroke during the summer. It seems that dangerously high temperatures in the subcontinent will be a regular phenomenon due to global weather changes.
It has come to my knowledge that some of the first-aid tips for avoiding heatstroke that are going viral these days contain incorrect instructions and pictures showing the use of cold ice water for sponging directly on the chest, which in turn can lead to other medical complications like hypothermia. The federal government, in consultation with medical experts and provincial governments, should take the lead in developing and issuing standard guidelines for the public to follow in order to avoid heatstroke on hot summer days. The print and electronic media could launch special campaigns and give heatstroke and heat exhaustion similar coverage as dengue — treating it as seriously as an epidemic — so that the correct, scientific and standardised message is conveyed and shared with all.
Dr Naveed Jafri
Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2015.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
