"Don't Give Cold Water Recklessly! Check Consciousness First in Heat Illness Patients"

Applying Ice Packs to Armpits and Back Helps Lower Body Temperature

A paramedic is applying an ice pack to a heat illness patient to lower their body temperature.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] On the 1st and 4th of this month, two residents of Gyeongnam Province died from heat-related illnesses.

Since May 20th, Gyeongnam Province has been operating a heatwave countermeasure period until September 30th, implementing customized measures to prevent casualties and property damage for outdoor workers and those in the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors.

According to the province, from May 20th to July 6th, a total of 54 heat-related illness cases were reported. Among them, a person in their 40s in Changnyeong-gun on the 1st and a resident in their 60s in Gimhae-si on the 4th collapsed and died due to the heatwave.

Heat-related illnesses occur when the body temperature rises due to prolonged high temperatures in summer, causing symptoms such as dizziness, fever, vomiting, muscle cramps, and heat, and can be fatal in severe cases.

Representative conditions include heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and heat cramps, but also photokeratitis, which causes temporary eye burns when exposed to strong ultraviolet rays, and skin diseases caused by high temperature and humidity.

The Gyeongnam Fire Headquarters advised the public to familiarize themselves in advance with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety’s heatwave response guidelines and to frequently check weather conditions through TV, radio, and the internet.

▲ Refrain from outdoor activities between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. ▲ Drink water frequently ▲ Use cool places such as heatwave shelters ▲ Maintain appropriate body temperature with air conditioning ▲ Use parasols when going outside, among other heat illness prevention measures.

An official from the headquarters said, “If you find someone collapsed from a heat-related illness, first check if they are conscious, then call 119 and move them to a cool place.”

They emphasized that giving water or drinks to an unconscious person can cause choking, so never let them drink water.

They added that applying ice packs or cold packs to areas such as the armpits or neck joints helps lower the patient’s body temperature.

The official advised, “If the patient is conscious, help them drink cool water?not too cold like ice water?to stay hydrated. It’s better to drink slowly in small sips rather than gulping down quickly.”