As per the guidelines of the National Disaster Management Authority, heat illness is considered at different levels starting with heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat syncope and heat stroke. Officials say heat stroke does not occur all of a sudden to a person and it begins with heat rashes and become severe when ignored.
While full recovery is possible in all the cases, 25-50 % mortality occurs in heatstroke cases even if aggressive care is given.
However, ignoring any of the primary conditions may lead to heatstroke and fatality. The symptoms of the cases vary from itchy rashes with red bumps at pores, painful spasms, feeling overheated, light headedness, exhaustion and weakness, loss of consciousness and others.
Visiting a health care centre or doctor immediately after experiencing any of the symptoms can help the person fully recover.
Reporting deaths
Proper reporting of heatstroke deaths plays a key role in the establishment of proper and effective strategies to deal heat waves in the State.
The AP State Disaster Management Authority, which drafted a heat wave action plan for the current year, brought together all the government departments to roll out precautionary measures.
As part of the plan, heatstroke deaths are verified by a three-member committee consiting of a government doctor, local station house officer and mandal revenue officer.
“After the committee’s declaration, a doctor on behalf of us will inspect the deceased and validate the cause of death,” said S. Kishan, in-charge of the State Emergency Operation Centre of APSDMA.
