With temperatures touching 44°C and an intense heatwave expected to persist till May 24, the Health Department has issued a special advisory urging residents to take precautions against extreme weather conditions.
While the mercury had hovered around 40°C in April, it surged to 44°C on Wednesday in Jalandhar. Temperatures are likely to remain high over the coming days, with the region recording readings 2-3 degrees above normal.
Citizens were advised by the Health Department to keep themselves hydrated, drink a lot of cooling liquids, avoid stepping out in the peak afternoons to prevent heat-related illnesses and strokes amid the oppressive heat.
Special arrangements have also been made for emergency medical services at all government hospitals and centres of the district, including cooling wards, ice packs and ORS disbursals, aimed at prompt and effective healthcare.
Civil Surgeon Dr Rajesh Garg said the risk of heatstroke had increased significantly due to hot winds and intense sunlight. He advised residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity during afternoon hours and complete essential tasks in the morning or evening.
Dr Garg said under the guidelines issued by the Health Department, special arrangements have been made for the immediate treatment of heat-related diseases in all government hospitals of the district .
Emergency cooling measures and availability of medicines have been ensured in the hospitals. Along with this, all ambulances have been equipped with thermometers, ice packs and ORS packets, so that immediate relief can be provided to affected patients on the way to the hospital.
Heat stroke symptoms & prevention
Dr Garg said key symptoms of heatstroke include headache, dizziness, vomiting, restlessness, a sudden rise in body temperature, facial redness and fainting.
On seeing such symptoms, a patient should be immediately taken to a shaded or cool place. Tight clothes should be loosened and cold water bandages must be applied and the patient should be immediately taken to the nearest hospital. He instructed that no liquid should be put in the mouth of the fainted patient until he regains consciousness.
For those stepping out in the afternoon in emergencies, He said the head should always be covered with a cloth, turban or cap and preference should be given to wearing light-colored cotton clothes.
To prevent dehydration in the body, maximum water, liquids like home-made lassi, lemonade and sugarcane juice should be consumed. Along with this, citizens have also been advised to ensure complete arrangement of drinking water and shade during any public gathering or field activity.
