If the face reddens, respiration and pulse speed up and the skin becomes dry; if the person becomes apathetic, weak and confused, feels nausea and vomits, call for an ambulance.
By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICHUpdated: MAY 15, 2016 15:08Palmahim Beach in the summer (photo credit: DOV GREENBLAT/SPNI)
Due to a number of people being overcome by the dry, hot temperatures over the weekend, 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; avoid unnecessary physical activity; and drink a lot of cool 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 the face reddens, respiration and pulse speed up and the skin becomes dry; if the person becomes apathetic, weak and confused, feels nausea and vomits, call for an ambulance, said Navi. In the meantime, lay the person on the ground, remove unnecessary clothing and wet the face and body with water. If the victim is conscious, give him water and slowly help him drink in small gulps, even if he protests. 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.