It is well known that most of Saudi Arabia’s area lies in one of the hottest spots in the world. The temperature during hajj season this year is expected to reach 44°C in some days, according to Saudi Gazette.
Also, the rate of moisture may reach 21%. Accordingly, the body temperature increases as a result of control failure in the human brain center of controlling body temperature, the Hypothalamus.
It has been found that race has a great effect on falling a victim to sunstroke. Peoples with low-pigmented skin, who never used to be subjected to high temperature, are more liable to sunstroke than the residents of tropical regions and other ethnicities with high levels of Melanin.
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In addition, the aged, the people with frail bodies, the fat, and the patients of blood pressure, diabetes, and heart failure are easily attacked by this malady. It is crystal clear that the sooner the patient is treated, the sooner he becomes well and his safety becomes greater.
It should be noted that some pilgrims subject themselves to the sun for a long time thinking that this brings them an abundant reward. This, in fact, has nothing to do with religion as Allah says:
“Cast not yourselves into destruction by your own hands.” (Al-Baqarah: 195)
How to Defend Yourself Against Sunstroke?
It is very important to defend yourself against sunstroke. The first procedure is to keep remote from direct contact with sun rays.
Here comes the importance of educating people about the dangers of being under the sun for long periods. In case one has to be subject to the sun, this should last for short, not long periods.
Also, arduous efforts are to be avoided. In addition, there should be plenty of water and drinks. White baggy clothes are to be worn.
Ways of Treatment:
1 – Taking the victim away from places with high temperature.
2 – Taking his clothes off and laying him on his back with his head upwards.
3 – In case the victim is aware, he is to be offered cold water. In case he is fainting, his body is to be sprinkled with water and he is to be put under a van so that the water would be evaporated soon.
4 – He should be taken to the hospital immediately so as to hasten his recovery.
Important Notes:
It should be the first concern of those who are around the patient to reduce the high temperature. Some people put the patient in a bathtub filled with cold water so that the patient regains his consciousness, and resorting to this means leads to a high rate of death.
The best ways to reduce the high temperature of the patient is to put him in a conditioned room, covering him with a light wet sheet and turning on the fan. This is to be kept on until the temperature of the patient becomes 38.
In this case, cooling is to be stopped and the patient is put under observation until he becomes well again.
