MDA kept busy treating 442 victims of the heat wave

If you’re outdoors on a trek, take drinking breaks every half hour, consuming one or two glasses of cool water each time in a shady area.

MAY 15, 2016 19:54

Updated: MAY 16, 2016 03:13

A Christian pilgrim dips in the water during her visit to the Qasr el-Yahud baptismal site on the banks of the Jordan River. (photo credit: AMIR COHEN - REUTERS) — A Christian pilgrim dips in the water during her visit to the Qasr el-Yahud baptismal site on the banks of the Jordan River.

(photo credit: AMIR COHEN - REUTERS)

Magen David Adom treated a total of 442 people over the weekend who suffered from the dry, hot temperatures, including 31 who were dehydrated, 196 who fainted, 212 who felt weak and three who had heatstroke.

Of these, an eight-year-old girl who was walking near Mount Tabor and a 40-yearold man sitting on a roof in Lod were in serious condition on Sunday night.

MDA paramedic Eyal Ben- Moshe, who treated the girl, said she was conscious but very confused and weak. She was then rushed to a hospital.

Paramedic Moshe Shaham took care of the man after the police and Fire Service helped the medical personnel get to him with a crane.

The unusual weather caused a large increase in the number of calls to MDA. MDA is also handing out stickers to remind drivers not to leave children (or pets) in locked vehicles even for a moment, to avoid heat related illness or death.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry reiterated on Sunday its warnings on avoiding heatstroke. The elderly, pregnant women, sufferers of chronic illness and babies must be protected against exposure to the elements until the temperatures drop on Tuesday.

They should not be exposed to the direct sun, they should avoid unnecessary physical activity and drink enough water.

Dr. Yosef Navi, head of the emergency room at Ziv Medical Center in Safed, added that heatstroke occurs when more fluids leave the body by urination, sweating and vomiting than enter the body. A lack of water in the body can have serious consequences – even death.

If you’re outdoors on a trek, take drinking breaks every half hour, consuming one or two glasses of cool water each time in a shady area.

Wet the face and head to cool off the body.