Don’t go out between 11am-4 pm, warn docs
CHENNAI: Due to the alarming spike in mercury levels, instances of heat stroke and heat exhaustion have been surging across the State.
The emergency staff at the 108 GVK EMRI ambulance service provider are receiving a lot of related cases – fainting, and becoming unconscious for a long time.
In March, there were 4,598 cases of fainting and 4,183 cases of patients falling unconscious. While there were several reasons, most were because of heat-related issues. Moreover, emergency staff have also come across other issues such as accidents, falls and injuries due to fainting.
“Diabetic patients should be very careful when going out as they can easily suffer from heat exhaustion and can have a low blood sugar. Heat exhaustion, fainting and becoming unconsciousness are common during these months,” said Dr Keerthivarman, EMLC head at 108 training centre, GVK EMRI. “There can be an electrolyte imbalance and we give ORS immediately to restore that. We have triple the stock than usual and even oral glucose is given. The stock of IV is also kept ready to attend to emergency cases. To attend heat stroke cases, we keep ice packs ready so that the temperature can be lowered immediately.”
Also, emergent cases also increase because of fainting. Head injuries occur when they fall unconscious because of the heat. “We had an elderly patient who suffered a head injury because he fainted and hit his head on the ground. It was difficult to manage. While he must have fainted due to the heat, the injury was quite
Doctors pointed out that hydration was key in preventing heat-related issues, especially among the elderly and children
serious. People must be careful when going out,” said a staff from 108 ambulance.
Doctors pointed out that hydration was the key to prevent such complications. “Avoid going out between 11 am and 3 pm, especially senior citizens and kids below 12 years,” said Dr Keerthivarman.
Fruits and vegetables with good water content should be consumed. High proteins, oily and spicy food should be avoided as they were difficult to digest.