More than 450 people in Taiwan have already sought medical treatment for heat-related injuries in July of this year. With dangerously high temperatures, doctors offer advice on what to watch out for.
Video script:
One roofer recounts a story of how someone in his line of work fainted while working on scaffolding. Dehydration is fast to strike while working in the sun, and many workers can only hope that water will be enough for them to combat the heat.
As of July 11, 456 people in Taiwan have sought medical treatment due to heat-related injuries according to the Health Ministry: already nearing half of the monthly total for July last year. A staggering 55 patients were brought to hospitals with heat-driven symptoms just last Wednesday. Illness isn’t even the worst of it.
Doctors say that at temperatures over 30 C, every additional degree increases the risk of death by 3%. Doctors recommend avoiding the outdoors between noon and 3 p.m. For those that must go out, they recommend drinking water every 15 to 20 minutes, even if you’re not thirsty.
In such intense heat, it doesn’t matter if you’re indoors, outdoors, or even in air-conditioning–by the time you’re thirsty, it may already be too late. Emergency Medicine Physician Chung Ping-yen (鍾稟彥) recommends placing water in an obvious spot to remind yourself to stay hydrated.
If you begin to feel dizzy, experience a rapid heartbeat, or begin hyperventilating, it could indicate heatstroke: seek shade and cool down as soon as possible. If not treated, symptoms can rapidly worsen, leading to potential loss of consciousness for fevers over 40 C. Those with cardiovascular problems are at elevated risk, and should take extra precautions.
With a summer this hot, stay cool, and stay safe.
Amanda Stephens for RTI News