Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition caused by the body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. It is characterized by an elevated core body temperature above 40°C and alterations in the central nervous system. Left untreated, heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability. Those at highest risk include children, the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, athletes, and outdoor workers. To prevent heat stroke, it is important to stay hydrated, limit strenuous activity during hot weather, wear loose-fitting clothing, and monitor for symptoms in high-risk groups. Immediate cooling of the body and medical help are needed if heat stroke occurs.

1. HEAT STROKE
Hasnizam Bin Md Saad
Pengamal Keselamatan Kesihatan
Pekerjaan Dan Alam Sekitar
012-9835664

2. OVERVIEW
• WHAT IS HEAT STROKE
• STATISTIC OF HEAT STROKE
• WEATHER ALERT
• HOW IT AFFECTS OUR BODY?
• WHO IS AT RISK?
• SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
• HOW TO PREVENT
• PRECAUTION

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STATISTIC OF HEAT STROKE
• Limited studies/cases of heat stroke in Malaysia
--possibly because of average Malaysia’s climate around not exceed >37’c
for the past years.
• Heat-related deaths occur with regularity in the United States. Between
average of 702 heat-related deaths occurred annually in 2004-2018.
• The highest rates of death from heat-related illness are in the older adult
population especially with co morbid disease and children.
• While, among teenage athletes, heat illness is the third major cause of
death behind traumatic and cardiac causes

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Current weather status in Malaysia

5. Raining
continuously
Heavy wind
Rough sea
Flood
Landslides
• Less rain
• Hot and dry
weather
• Lack of water
supply
• Haze
• Air pollution may
increases
• Open burning
Thunderstorm
Heavy rain
Strong winds
Flash floods
Landslides
Storm

6. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO KNOW?

7. CAN HEAT STROKE
CAUSE DEATH?

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What happens in our body?
• During both rest and activity, the
human body tries to maintain an
internal normal temperature
• Normal body temperature is
36.1’c -37.4’c

9. What happens in our body?
• Hot weather, heat sources and
hard work raise the body’s core
temperature
• Heated blood is pumped to the
skin’s surface, where the body
heat transfers to the
environment
• Sweat carries it outside skin and
evaporates to aid cooling.

10. What happens in our body?
• During heavy work, a body can
lose 1-2 liters of water per hour
• After 2-3 hours of fluid loss, a
person is likely to
- Loss endurance
- Become uncomfortable
- Feel hot
- Become thirsty

11. What happens in our body?
• The longer the body sweats , the
less blood is there to carry excess
heat to skin (for cooling) and
oxygen/nutrients to muscles
• After 3 hours , a dehydrated worker
may feel
- Headache
- Muscle fatigue
- Loss of strength
- Heat cramps
- Reduced alertness
- Nausea

12. What happens in our body?
• Water is key to cooling body
and combating heat stress
• Without fluid replacement
during extended period of
work, the body is at risk of
exhaustion
• Untreated heat exhaustion may
lead to heat stroke

13. • Heat cramps  heat exhaustion  heat stroke

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Heat exhaustion is not usually serious if you can cool down within 30 minutes.
If it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency.

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Other heat related illness..

16. WHAT IS HEAT STROKE
• Heat stroke is the most severe heat-related illness
• Is characterized by an elevated core body temperature that rises
above 40° C and central nervous system dysfunction that results in
delirium, convulsion or coma.
• Heat stroke is often fatal if left untreated.
• In Malaysia, heat wave occurs when surroundings maximum
temperature exceeds 37’c for 3 consecutive days.

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RISK FACTORS? WHO IS AT RISKS?
• High environmental heat stress (hot weather)
• Individuals who are physically fit and participating in athletic events
• Performing jobs under conditions of high heat stress, such as firefighting or
military training.
• Children less than 5 years old and senior citizens(>60 years old)
• Physical exercise
• Children are left inside hot cars

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Source: Human kinetics journals, 2020

20. WHAT TO DO ?
• First aid
• remove victim from heat exposure
• rest in a cool environment
• perform immediate cooling
• remove clothing
• spraying the patient with cool water
• allowing airflow over the patient using a fan
• placing wet towels or sheets over the patient’s body
• placing ice packs over the neck, groin, and axillae
• Immediately call 999 to get help for ambulance and paramedic.
• Paracetamol have no role in the treatment of patients with heat stroke
and may be worsen patient condition.

21. HOW TO PREVENT HEAT STROKE?
Source: www.cdc.gov.uk

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PREVENTION: Stay cool
• Wear appropriate clothing (light color, loose and lightweight)
• Stay cool indoor
• Schedule outdoor activities carefully (find shady areas to help body
recover)
• Pace yourself. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and
leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool area or
into the shade, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded,
confused, weak, or faint
• Wear Sunscreen :Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down
and can make you dehydrated

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PREVENTION: Stay hydrated
• Stay hydrated
-drink more fluid, don’t wait until you get thirsty.
-Stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks—these actually cause you to
lose more body fluid
For outdoor workers, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration
recommends drinking four cups of water every hour.
Replace salt and minerals, sport drink might help
Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated.
If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat,
sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going
out. Continue to reapply it according to the package directions.

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PREVENTION: Stay Informed
• Check for updates
Check local news for extreme heat alerts and safety tips
• Know the signs and symptoms
Use a Buddy System: When working in the heat, monitor the condition of
your co-workers and have someone do the same for you.
• Monitor those high risk

26. Hasnizam Bin Md Saad
Pengamal Keselamatan Kesihatan
Pekerjaan Dan Alam Sekitar
012-9835664