To prevent / reduce the impact of SUNSTROKE

Sunstroke is a condition, it occurs when the body’s heat control system fails and body cannot lose the excessive heat. It turns into accurate life threatening condition due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or excessive production of heat. High temperatures can cause the body’s major organs to fail. Sunstroke can be fatal to life and can also lead to death when body is unable to lose heat and return to its normal body temperatures.

Major Symptoms and signs of Sunstroke:

1. The Skin becomes hot and dry; burning sensation in the skin;

2. No Sweating;

3. Hyperventilation / Headache; Muscle cramps; uneasiness in the body:

4. Lethargy or stupor (reactions become extremely slow and sluggish),

5. Continuously rising of body temperature; Loss of consciousness;

6. Vomiting / tendency to vomit;

7. Giddiness / dizziness / lightheadedness; etc

How to act when experiencing Sunstroke:

If you noticed one or more symptoms on you or adjacent colleague please take the following steps and rushing the victim to the hospital / registered physician.

The preliminary target is to lower the increasing body temperature and it can be done

1. By immersing the body in a cold water bath.

2. If not possible then cover the body with a wet sheet or clothes or sponge down the body with cool water.

3. If the water supply is limited, cooling the head and neck becomes the priority.

Preventive methods of sunstroke

The following measures can help prevent problems relating to sunstroke:

 Drink plenty of water when you spend a lot of time in hot environment and do not wait until you feel thirsty to drink and drink more than you need for quenching your thirst, particularly when you have been sweating.

 Keep water always with you.

 Wear light coloured, light weighted and loose fitted clothes in hot weather. Cotton is the best garment as it allows more air to pass.

 Wear Safety Helmet especially if working in the sun because the head is particularly sensitive part to heat.