Heatstroke counters set up

Govt hospitals cater to victims, official advises precautionary measures

ATTOCK/ RAWALPINDI:

Heatstroke counters have been set up at government hospitals across Attock district to prevent heatstroke in this scorching heat, said Chief Executive of District Health Authority Dr Jawad Elahi.

He was addressing a meeting at his office on Saturday. District Health Officer Dr Syed Kashif Hussain was also present on the occasion.

Paramedic staff has also been deployed to perform their duties at government hospitals in Attock, Hassanabdal, Hazro, Fateh Jang, Pindigheb and Jand, said Dr Elahi, adding that high temperatures and extreme heat could be dangerous for elderly citizens and children.

“It's necessary to take precautionary measures to prevent heatstroke as in this sweltering heat, the risk of heat stroke increases.

People should take precautionary measures like eating healthy vegetables and fruits. He also urged people to stay indoors and not leave their homes unless very necessary. “If it's necessary to go out, cover your head with a wet cap or cloth.

People should use sunglasses and umbrellas and avoid eating junk food,” he advised.

Meanwhile, patients suffering from heatstroke have started visiting government hospitals in twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad as sizzling hot weather, strong winds, and temperatures reaching up to 47 degrees have increased the risk of this serious heat-related illness among the people.

Heatstroke patients have started arriving at Benazir Bhutto General Hospital, District Headquarters Hospital, Holy Family Hospital, Cantonment General Hospital, Social Security Hospital and private clinics and hospitals.

Meanwhile, the health department in an advisory issued to avoid heatstroke has also urged the citizens not to leave their homes during extreme heat and hot weather, to take precautionary measures and to consume more water and beverages. And in case of heatstroke, get to the hospital immediately and get medical help.

Citizens who spend a lot of time outdoors, drink less water and do not cover their heads mostly suffer from heatstroke.

Medical Superintendent District Headquarters Hospital Dr Farzana Zafar said that as the heat intensity is gradually increasing, the citizens should avoid the heat.

“Do not leave the house unnecessarily and drink as much water as possible." She advised using umbrellas to avoid feeling very hot.

Medical Superintendent Benazir Bhutto General Hospital Dr Sohail Chaudhry said that the emergency department of the hospital has made complete arrangements for the treatment of patients with heatstroke, but people should consume more water, beverages, lassi and lemon water.

"People should not go out during the day and children and the elderly should be more careful and keep a hat on their head and a wet cloth around their neck when leaving the house," he suggested.

Dr Chaudhry said that one of the reasons for heatstroke is the release of salts and water from the body in hot weather.

So to avoid heatstroke, add salt to the water and drink it and leave the house only in the morning or evening.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 15^th, 2022.