The Directorate of Health in Dakhalia announced in a statement first aid steps needed in case of heatstroke or heat exhaustion, given the current weather.
First aid includes the transfer of the person to a shaded area and removal of unnecessary clothing (e.g. jacket). The affected person should lie down while tilting their head upwards, and apply a cold compress on their feet, arms and forehead.
Their body temperature is to be measured every 10 minutes until it cools down to 39C, the statement said.
The affected person’s vital signs, including breathing rate, pulse and body temperature, should be monitored; a ventilator may be used in the case that respiration stops.
In the case of convulsions, Diazepam may be administered to the patient, according to the Directorate of Health.
However, the statement warned against giving the affected person fever medication such as Ibuprofen, without first putting the patient under a doctor’s observation.
Heatstroke occurs when the body loses large amounts of fluids and salts when exposed to hot weather for an extended period, especially when the individual is exerting strenuous physical effort.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke are as follows: headache, nausea, excessive sweating, muscle or abdominal cramps, rapid heartbeat and breathing rate, deterioration of vision and low blood pressure.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
