JEDDAH, 3 August — With daytime temperatures hovering above 40 degrees Celsius, people should avoid exposing themselves to the sun in these searing midsummer days in order to prevent sunstroke, an ENT specialist in Riyadh has warned. Neither working nor sitting directly under the sun is advisable.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Qablan of the Riyadh Medical Complex said the intensive care ward at the hospital received a number of sunstroke cases since the summer season began, Al-Riyadh newspaper reported yesterday.
"A Sudanese, 50, who worked for a few hours in the sun passed out and was brought to the hospital in a very dangerous condition. He is improving now.
"People working in the open air for long hours, particularly if they do not perspire at the normal level, fat people, or the elderly, heart patients or those without proper clothes to protect them from the sun are more likely to suffer sunstroke, the doctor said. Rising body temperature and fall in the level of consciousness or a state of total loss of consciousness are some of the symptoms of sunstroke. If the affected person does not get immediate medical attention death may occur.
The first aid on such occasions is to bring down his body temperature. This can be achieved by removing his clothes, taking him to a shade and spraying him with moderately warm water.
Very cold or iced water should be avoided as it may create complications. After that he should be given plenty of fluids and, if unconscious, taken to hospital.
One of the major causes of deaths of people stranded in deserts is sunstroke.
