A 37-YEAR-OLD man passed out after finishing a 15-kilometer jog in the scorching sun at Shenzhen Bay Park in Nanshan District a few days ago. He was taken to the ICU of a nearby hospital after it was confirmed he was suffering from heatstroke, the Southern Metropolis Daily reported.

Doctors at the University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital found that the man’s body temperature was as high as 41 degrees Celsius when he was transferred to the hospital.

Since physical measures could hardly cool the man down, doctors had to give him an infusion.

The patient was also suffering from a fever, a disorder of consciousness, low blood pressure and kidney damage, so he was sent to the ICU for further treatment.

On Sunday, Shenzhen issued this year’s first yellow alert for high temperatures as the highest temperature reached 37.5 degrees Celsius. The Shenzhen Center for Prehospital Care has received 23 reports of heatstroke this month.

Experts from the center said that the three main causes of heatstroke are high temperatures, excessive physical labor or exercise, and obstacles to heat dissipation like humid weather, obesity and airtight outfits.

Heatstroke can cause different levels of damage, and if a person’s body temperature gets higher than 40 degrees Celsius, the brain, liver, kidneys and heart will be affected.

The experts also said the most effective ways to treat heatstroke are to physically cool down the patient’s body temperature and give the patient cold water. Residents are reminded not to use ice to bring down a patient’s temperature.

Vulnerable people, including seniors, pregnant women and patients with chronic diseases, should avoid walking in the sun. Also, people should use sunglasses, umbrellas and wear caps and sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun and heat.

In summer, residents are also advised to drink more water and eat more juicy fruits and vegetables to prevent heat stroke.

(Zhang Qian)