Trauma centre reports more heat exhaustion cases

Dubai: Close to sixty people, including three professionals who suffered heat exhaustion, were treated at Dubai's only trauma centre in August, according to available statistics.

The Rashid Hospital Trauma Centre attended to 57 mostly serious cases last month. The centre had received 123 patients in July, including one heat stroke victim.

Almost all cases in August involved labourers, with 15 cases reported during the mandatory mid-day break period between 12.30pm and 3pm implemented specifically to reduce the number of heat exhaustion cases. Three professionals were rushed in with symptoms of heat exhaustion while engaged in non-work-related activity.

Dr G.Y. Naroo, medical specialist in-charge at Rashid Hospital Trauma Centre told Gulf News the cases pointed to a general lack of awareness about safeguards.

Risk factors

"It can affect anyone and you don't have to be a labourer to come down with heat exhaustion, those running errands or into sports can also report sick. They may go out in the evening thinking it's okay, but heat exhaustion does not only happen while you're in the sun," he said.

All three professionals who received treatment at the centre experienced sudden discomfort late in the day. One took ill while praying outdoors at a mosque, another while playing tennis and the third while fixing his air-conditioning unit at home.

Naroo said lack of acclimatisation to the UAE's climatic conditions and poor hydration know-how were to blame for such cases.

Electrolyte imbalance

"We get many cases of heat cramps but not heat exhaustion. Companies give their workers water but they don't give salt [hydration] tablets and they develop an imbalance of electrolytes," he said.

Despite the number of cases reported in July and August, the total was "markedly less" than earlier, he said. "We used to get 4,000 to 5,000 [overall] a few years ago. Now, I don't think we have more than 1,500 cases," he said.

Data available is approximate at best, not taking into account walk-ins and admission from other hospitals and cases treated in private hospitals. The trauma centre hopes to release a compilation of data summing up the bigger picture on September 15.

Simple tips for avoiding burnout

Remaining hydrated to face up to the heat and humidity of the Ramadan month can be difficult but not impossible. Dr. G. Y. Naroo, medical specialist in-charge at the Rashid Hospital Trauma Centre suggests a few simple precautions:

1) Avoid working/playing in hot and humid environments, especially at noon and just after.

2) Consume plenty of cold water and drinks laden with electrolytes such as fresh juices and sports drinks at night even if not feeling all that thirsty.

3) Avoid caffeine, stimulants and alcohol, which can increase the body's heat production and act as a diuretic. Soft drinks like colas are not a good idea as they contain caffeine and have high sodium content as well.

4) Stay in cool, well-ventilated and open areas.

5) Wear cool clothing made from light absorbent material such as cotton that will absorb sweat and also aid evaporation.