INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Thursday reminded the public to stay hydrated and in well-ventilated areas to avoid the effects of “dangerous” heat indexes consistently recorded in the previous days.
The PRC made the pronouncement after warning the public of heat-related emergencies caused by high heat index, particularly, heat stroke.
READ: Pagasa sees 42°C to 43°C ‘danger’ level heat index in 7 areas on April 4
According to Red Cross chairman Richard “Dick” Gordon the public can utilize three simple strategies the public can utilize to protect themselves:
- Stay hydrated and avoid sugary drinks
- Stay in air-conditioned or well-ventilated areas
- Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing
Furthermore, Gordon reminded the public of the PRC 143 hotline, which they can call in terms of emergencies for immediate aid.
“Our Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team is always ready to respond 24/7,” said Gordon in a statement.
“In case somebody experiences symptoms of heat stroke such as the absence of sweating; red, hot, dry, and flushed skin; confusion, and disorientation, move the patient to a cooler area, spray water on the skin, immerse the patient in circulating water, and call 143 for assistance,” he added.
Heat index, as defined by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), is “a measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself.”
Pagasa also advised the public to prevent the effects of high heat by limiting outdoor time, drinking plenty of water, avoiding tea, coffee, soda, and liquor, wearing umbrellas, hats, and sleeved clothing outdoors, and scheduling heavy-duty activities during cooler periods of the day.
Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include heavy sweating, exhaustion or fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, blacking out or feeling dizzy when standing, a weak but fast pulse, nausea, and vomiting.
READ: More areas suspend in-person classes due to high heat index
In cases of emergency, Pagasa reminded the public to do the following:
- Move the person to a shady spot and lie him/her down with legs elevated
- If conscious, have them sip cool water
- Remove clothing, apply cool water to the skin and provide ventilation
- Apply ice packs to the armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin
- Bring to a hospital immediately