Amidst the increasing scorching heat and danger of heat wave in North India, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital has prepared a special unit for the treatment of severe heat stroke patients. Here ‘cold water immersion’ technique is being adopted to reduce the body temperature of patients rapidly. It is believed that there may be severe heat this year. In such a situation, this system is becoming an important effort to provide relief and save lives for the patients suffering from heat.
Hospital preparations amid summer
In view of the severe heat and increasing effects of heat wave, special arrangements have been made in the emergency department of the hospital. The special unit has tubs filled with ice, monitoring machines and necessary medical equipment.
How does ‘Cold Water Immersion’ technique work?
‘Cold water immersion’ technique is being used for the treatment of heat stroke patients. In this, water is rapidly filled in the tub and about 50 kg of ice is added. The patient is kept in cold water, so that the body temperature can be reduced quickly. According to doctors, this technique is considered very effective for serious patients.
Demo and treatment process
To explain this technology, a demo has also been done with volunteers. The demo shows how the patient is kept in the tub. Part of the patient’s neck remains outside, while the rest of the body is kept underwater. Continuous monitoring is done during treatment, so that the patient’s condition can be monitored.
What do doctors say?
Dr. Amlendu Yadav explains that every minute is very important in heat stroke. Treatment of the patient can be started from home, but when the body temperature reaches 104–105 degrees Fahrenheit, treatment in the hospital becomes necessary. In this condition the body loses the ability to control temperature. The patient is rapidly hydrated and efforts are made to reduce the body temperature. If treatment is delayed, the risk of multi-organ failure increases.
How is treatment done in the hospital?
During treatment, heart rate, oxygen saturation, core body temperature and water temperature are continuously monitored. The temperature of water is kept between 1 to 5 degrees. According to doctors, it is necessary to bring the patient’s body temperature up to 38 degrees. Every patient is kept in this therapy for about 25 to 35 minutes. According to doctors, heat stroke is a very dangerous condition. If timely treatment is not received, the mortality rate can reach 80 percent.
This is how initial treatment is done in the field and ambulance
The hospital also has the facility of an inflatable tub, in which the patient can be treated if needed. Apart from this, ‘Tako technique’ is also used through tarpaulin. In this, the patient is kept with 20–25 kg of ice. This technology can also be used in ambulance and field.
Which people are at greater risk?
According to doctors, people like security guards, construction workers, pregnant women, policemen and media persons stay in the sun for a long time. Because of this, they are at greater risk of heat stroke.
Also read: Increasing screen time of children becomes alarm bell, AIIMS doctors give strict warning
Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)
Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator
