• Authorities warned about heat cramps/exhaustion/strokes and advised on first aid 

The Ministry of Health has introduced a set of guidelines to prevent the adverse effects of the prevailing torrid heat on school children in order to keep them safe.

This was communicated in a letter directed to the Additional Secretary (School Affairs) of the Education Ministry.

Accordingly, the Health Ministry has recommended the following first aid measures for the following heat related illnesses, namely, heat related cramps, heat related exhaustion and a heatstroke.

Heat cramps are involuntary muscle spasms that take place during heavy exercise in hot environments, and symptoms of the same include painful muscle cramps and spasms, usually in the legs and the abdomen, and heavy sweating. First aid for the same includes drinking half a glass of water every 15 minutes and withdrawing from all activities.

Heat exhaustion occurs in conditions of extreme heat and excessive sweating without adequate fluid and salt replacement, and the symptoms include sweating, weakness or tiredness, cool, pale and clammy skin, a fast and weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headache and fainting. The first aid for the same includes withdrawing from all activities, moving to a cooler environment, drinking adequate water, taking a bath and applying a wet piece of cloth over the body.

A heatstroke is the most severe form of heat related illness which occurs when the body’s heat regulating system is overwhelmed by excessive heat. This is a life threatening emergency that requires medical attention, and therefore, the public is advised to contact the nearest hospital or the Suwa Seriya hotline (1990) for the ambulance service. The symptoms include a throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, body temperature above 103 Fahrenheit, hot, red and dry or damp skin, a rapid and strong pulse, fainting and a loss of consciousness. The first aid for the same includes moving to a cooler environment, and reducing the body temperature with a wet piece of cloth.

The Ministry has advised school children to avoid engaging in outdoor physical activities as much as possible, and to drink additional amounts of water.

Meanwhile, school authorities are advised to give two short intervals for students to rest more, not to take them outdoors during the daytime, and not to conduct sports events and practice sessions while extremely hot weather prevails.

In addition, the authorities have been instructed to take necessary measures if the water supply facilities at the schools are inadequate.