The Sun At It's Warmest

The heat indices recorded this year have toppled previous records.  No wonder the Statue of Liberty decided to strip down to its undies at 40 degrees Centigrade.

Well, what do you know April 28, 2024, Iba Zambales prides itself on a dangerous heat index at scorching 53 degrees Celsius. PAGASA has already reminded us that 42 to 51 degrees Celsius is already unsafe and perilous ... how much more with 53?

Lest we sound like a broken record, we are reminding the madlang Pinoys to be extra careful to curb and limit the time they spend outside under the scalding and sweltering heat of the sun, especially from 9 AM to 4 PM. 

If going out can't be prevented ... make sure to bring a hat or umbrella ... and always remember to bring some water to prevent dehydration.

The world is now warming faster than at any point in recorded history. Warmer temperatures over time are changing weather patterns and disrupting the usual balance of nature.

Heat Stroke - First Aid Kit 101

When the heatwave turns deadly and the heat index is at an all-time high - Pagasa's effect-based classification reminds us that, a heat index between 42 degrees Celsius and 51 degrees Celsius is categorized as a dangerous level in which heat cramps and exhaustion are likely ... while a heat stroke is probable with continued exposure.

Let's suppose the humidity in the air is high ... that stops and prevents the evaporation of sweat from the skin. In that case, you can easily toast and barbecue your brain ... and your other vital organs overheat ... as you literally grill your insides from an elevated body temperature. When sweat does not dry out and evaporate like it used to ... it prevents our body from releasing heat quickly. The heat is contained inside your body furnace ... like an oven making you feel like you are burning.

The body normally cools off by sweating  ... and when sweating does not happen ... our body's temperature control system is carrying a heavy cargo ... more than it can handle.

This is the time for you to be on the lookout alert for signs that will lead to sunstroke - signs like elevated temperature ... skin is red-hot and dry (no sweating seen) ... feeling faint, woozy or unsteady ... tachycardia ... or headache and possibly high BP.

When you see these classic signs ... look no further ... because you are dealing with an emergency situation. Stay focused... and don't be the first person to jump ship.  You are needed here.

It is just common sense ... that when you deal with heat-related conditions - your first old reliable management is to cool down the person. Cooling down here doesn't mean literally chilling out ... calming down ... or going easy to relax  ... you dumdum.

Cooling down the person means ... cooling measures.  And what cooling measures can you think of that will benefit heatstroke patients? Come on this is an emergency ... do something.

If you are not used to grace under pressure ... and you can't function when the going gets tough ... (and the tough keeps going) it is not acceptable that you will just say: "My mind went blank ..." when you could have done a simple first-aid trick ... and simple emergency care ... when it mattered. There are 1001 things you can do to kill a cat ... and the same thing can be said of sunstroke -- there are 1001 ways you can do as measures.

These management are simple ... and it just pains me to know ... you never have thought of one.

1. Bring the person in a shade. Is that not a cooling first-aid? Or a place that is sunless, covered, and cool.  If it happens on a farm ... bringing the person under a tree or any leafy shrubs will be great.

2. If it happens in your house use other methods of cooling down.  Place him under the shower ... or let him cool down in a tub.

3.  If it happens in an orchard ... give him a good sprinkling using the garden hose. 

4.  If it happens in a commercial complex ...  a dip in the fountain is a welcome move.

5. If you are in the market or mall ... give him a treat he will never forget - give him a rocky road or butter pecan ice cream.

If you feel that's expensive ... ice candy or samalamig can be a good option.

6. If you are in the streets ... bring him to life by placing him in an air-conditioned store. If there is none ... douche the poor guy with a pail of water. Just do it ... pronto ... and mind the stabbing stares later.

7. If you are in a high-rise building ... break the sprinkler system by all means ... if you have the guts to do so.

Other time-tested cooling management include:

1. Place a wet face towel on the patient's head or face.

2. Give him a sponge bath.

3. Apply an Ice cap to the head.

See everything looks simple ... and all it takes is a boy scout who is ready with a snappy mind to think fast and quick. 

Whatever methods you use to help a patient, some of them are funny ... some are grotesque, offbeat, and freakish ... but at the end of the day ... you save the person's life.  

That's all that matters.