Summer in Karachi is getting severe and MeT department has predicted heat wave from May 1 to May 3.
DG Health Sindh has issued instructions to Divisional Health Director and District Health Officers for taking precautionary measures as heat wave is predicted in Karachi.
DG Health Masood Solangi has instructed that Medical and Paramedical staff will be on alert and no leaves will be given to them during this period. Presence of staff should be made compulsory at all the hospitals.
He further advised compulsory provision of ORS and drips to hospitals and setting up of makeshift wards at hospital for emergency situations in heat wave. Ambulance must be readily available to citizens throughout the day.
Updates and reports should be submitted on daily basis to the health department regarding the situation.
Government is taking steps to deal with emergency situations in heat wave similarly individuals should also take care of themselves and take measures on personal level. One should take following measures to keep oneself safe from heat stroke.
- Avoid strenuous activity
- Use sunscreen
- Drink water frequently
- Keep wet towel on head
- Take frequent showers
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap
Heat stroke imbalances body temperature and one suffering from heat stroke may show following symptoms:
- High temperature but without sweating
- Severe headache
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
- Lack of sweating despite the heat
- Red, hot, and dry skin
- Weakness and muscle cramps
- Feeling of nausea
- Rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak
- Rapid and shallow breathing
- Behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation, or staggering
- Seizures
Meanwhile, PMD has requested all the concerned authorities to take precautionary steps and generate awareness among public about it as many people lost their lives in Ramadan 2015 due to severe heat wave.
