Heatstroke death in Delhi: A 40-year-old man has died of heat stroke in Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital. The man who hails from Bihar’s Darbhanga worked at a factory that manufactures pipeline fittings.
According to a report by Indian Express, the doctors said he was brought in by his roommate and other factory workers an hour past midnight on Monday.
The doctors said that the man’s body temperature shot up above 107 degrees Fahrenheit. Reportedly, he was living in a room with no cooler or fan and developed a very high fever.
The hospital has set up a special unit of heat stroke patients for the first time at the hospital on May 8 because of the rising temperature. According to Dr Ajay Chauhan, Professor of Internal Medicine at RML Hospital, 6-7 patients had been admitted to the Heat Stroke Unit in the past week.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of the factory worker due to heat exposure. This incident underscores the severe health risks posed by extreme temperatures. We urge everyone, especially those working outdoors such as factory workers, delivery personnel, and construction laborers, to take necessary precautions like staying hydrated, taking frequent breaks in the shade, and recognizing early signs of heat-related illnesses,” Dr. Mashhad Haider Rizvi, Head Emergency, Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh told Financial Express.com.
What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature.
During heat stroke, 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.
CDC also maintains that heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death if the person does not receive emergency treatment.
What are the symptoms of heat stroke?
The symptoms of heatstroke include:
- Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness (coma)
- Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
- Seizures
- Very high body temperature
- Fatal if treatment delayed
What to do if someone you know gets heat stroke?
Take the following steps to treat the person with heat stroke:
- Contact the emergency medical care
- Stay with the person until emergency medical services arrive
- Move the person to a shaded, cool area and remove outer clothing
- Cool the worker quickly, using the following methods:With a cold water or ice bath, if possible; Wet the skin; Place cold wet cloths on the skin; Soak clothing with cool water
- Circulate the air around the worker to speed cooling
- Place cold wet cloths or ice on the head, neck, armpits, and groin; or soak the clothing with cool water
How to prevent heatstroke?
Heatstroke is predictable and preventable. According to Mayo Clinic, these steps can be taken to prevent heatstroke during hot weather:
- Wear loosefitting, lightweight clothing
- Protect against sunburn
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Take extra precautions with certain medications
- Never leave anyone in a parked car
- Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day
- Limit time spent working or exercising in heat until you’re conditioned to it
- Be cautious if you’re at increased risk
“In this scorching heat, it is very important to avoid going outside in direct sunlight. The rising temperatures have led to an increase in the cases of nausea, vomiting and fever. Hence, we are constantly advising people to follow adequate measures to save themselves from this heatwave,” Dr Tushar Tayal, Lead Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram told Financial Express.com.
According to Dr.Tayal, if you’re sweating while you’re outside then it’s a positive as this means that your body is sweating out to balance and adjust to the temperature.
Meanwhile, Dr. Rizvi emphasised that parents should also ensure children avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, stay hydrated, and wear light, breathable clothing. “Employers should ensure adequate measures to protect their workers from harsh weather conditions,” he said.
