A TOTAL of 47 emergency calls were made to the 120 emergency center for heat-related illnesses between June 1 and 18, sznews.com reported, quoting data from the emergency center. Thirty-seven of these individuals were transported to hospitals for further treatment.

As the rainy season comes to an end, Shenzhen is expected to enter a “steaming mode” that will increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, the report said.

Heat-related illnesses are acute conditions caused by the body’s inability to regulate its temperature or disturbances in water and salt metabolism in high-temperature environments. These conditions primarily affect the central nervous system or cardiovascular system.

Clinically, symptoms of heat-related illnesses can be categorized into three levels of severity: impending, mild, and severe. The severe form includes three types: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.

Characterized by a body temperature above 40 degrees Celsius, heatstroke, which effectively “cooks” the body’s organs from within, can cause irreversible brain damage and the extensive death of brain cells.

Heatstroke is common among young people who engage in strenuous physical labor or intense exercise in high temperatures and among people who are less capable of adapting to heat stress, like the elderly, children, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions.

To prevent heatstroke, it is crucial to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and ensure proper sun protection if outdoor activity is necessary, according to the sznews.com report. Protective measures include using umbrellas, wearing hats, and donning sunglasses. Clothing should be made of breathable and sweat-absorbent materials like cotton, linen, or silk to facilitate heat dissipation.

Staying hydrated is essential, and it is advisable to drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water daily. During heavy sweating, hydrating with electrolyte-containing sports beverages can be beneficial.

If someone shows signs of heatstroke, move them to a cool, ventilated place, lay them down, and loosen or remove their clothing. Cool their body with ice water or cold water sponging and use a fan. Stop cooling once their temperature drops below 38 degrees Celsius. If conscious, give them cool drinks like sports drinks, but avoid large amounts quickly. If they are not breathing or do not have a pulse, call 120, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available. Severe cases must be taken to the hospital immediately using a stretcher, applying ice packs to the neck, armpits, and groin during transport.

Heatstroke should be treated with the same urgency as myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiac arrest, the sznews.com report said. Immediate and standardized treatment is crucial to maximize the chances of survival and minimize potential disabilities.

(SD News)