AWARENESS PROGRAME BY

In The Memories Of Those Who Lost Their Lives In Deadly Heat Waves of 2015

“A National Tragedy”  

.

HEAT RELATED DEATHS IN KARACHI KARACHI (official announcement) – At least 1360

patients have died due to heatstroke in different hospitals in Karachi, Dunya News reported on Wednesday.

According to details, 200 patients have died at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, 31 at Karachi Metropolitan Hospital, 176 at civil hospital, 374 at Jinnah Hospital, 39 at Sindh Government Qatar Hospital, two at Government Lyari Hospital, 51 at Cardiology Hospital while 27 heat stroke patients lost their lives at Sindh Government Hospital in Korangi until now

COMMON FACTORS

Protective clothingFocus on task at handJob security concernsDesire to succeedDesire to be acceptedMachismoPeer pressureDelayed thirst mechanism

PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO OVERHEATING

Common Translation: What happens when you get too dang hot

“TOO DANG HOT RESULTS”

Excessive sweat loss results in dehydration

The body loses its ability to cool

Increased blood flow to skin causes decrease in organ function

HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES

HEAT CRAMPS

HEAT EXHAUSTION

HEAT STROKE

HEAT CRAMPS

Caused by excessive loss of electrolytes

Early warning sign of heat stress

Painful cramps usually in legs or abdomen

Stop activity, hydrate, rest in cool place

Get medical attention if condition continues

HEAT EXHAUSTION

The body’s response to excessive water and electrolyte loss

Stop activity and seek treatment immediately

HEAT STROKE

The body’s cooling mechanism shuts down

50% that reach the heat stroke stage die even with medical attention

LIVE OR DIE?

HEAT EXHAUSTION

Skin is pale Excessive sweating May faint but usually

conscious Headache Nausea and vomiting Blurred vision Dizziness

HEAT STROKE

Skin is redNo sweatingUnconscious or

incoherent

TREATMENT

HEAT EXHAUSTION

Call 911Rest in cool placeLoosen and remove

unnecessary clothingShower or sponge

with cool water

HEAT STROKE

Call 911 Immediate,

aggressive, effective cooling

DO NOT give anything by mouth

Transport to hospital

HUMAN RISK FACTORS

Poor nutritionPoor physical

conditionHigh and low % body

fatPrevious heat illness

Lack of acclimatizationOver 40 Illness (diabetes, asthma)PregnancyDiet plans

ENVIRONMENTAL RISK FACTORS

Air temperatureDirect sunlightRadiant heatHumidityLittle air movement

JOB RISK FACTORS

Work intensityWork durationLocation (roof, road, enclosure)Clothing (weight, impermeability)Respiratory protection

INDIVIDUAL’S RESPONSIBILITY

Follow instructions of IH and health care professionals

Be watchful for symptoms (self and others)Properly hydrate (before, during, after)Get adequate restAvoid alcohol, unnecessary medication,

and caffeine

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

Ensure that environmental conditions are monitored

Adjust work practices as necessary

Be watchful for signs of overexposure

Know workers medical history

Assure workers are properly trained

Conduct pre and post job safety meetings

Assure that affected workers receive treatment

MONITORINGEnvironmental monitoring

– heat index= temp+humidity+radiant used for guidance in establishing work/rest ratio

Personnel monitoring– Oral thermometer– Ear probe– Thermometer– Core Temp– Pulse rate– Blood pressure