Recently, multiple regions across the globe have entered a “scorching mode,” with 18 cities in Italy issuing a red heat warning, and temperatures in Rome and Florence reaching nearly 40°C; Shanghai has issued continuous orange and yellow high-temperature warnings, with local areas exceeding 37°C; while regions like Sanmenxia and Luoyang in Henan have recorded extreme temperatures above 40°C. Even in a seaside town in Italy, a car melted under the intense sun, with headlights and bumpers dripping like wax, which is a stark reminder of the danger of heat exposure.
In the face of these extreme temperatures globally, human lives and health are at unprecedented risk. Let’s delve into the health threats posed by heat, the scientific methods to prevent heat-related illnesses, and emergency first-aid measures to help everyone survive this heat crisis.
1. Deadly Threat: Recognizing Heat Stroke and Its Risk Levels
Heat stroke (severe heat exhaustion) has a death rate of 40%. For every 10 patients, 4 are at life-threatening risk. Recognizing the symptoms of heat stroke is crucial, and here are the three “death signals” you must remember:
- No Sweat: Skin becomes abnormally dry and hot, signaling a complete failure of the body’s cooling mechanism.
- Unconsciousness: The person may experience confusion, unconsciousness, or slurred speech due to severe damage to the nervous system.
- Extremely High Temperature: Core body temperature exceeds 40°C, which puts organs at risk of “boiling.”
Additionally, the warning signs of heat exhaustion, which include headache, muscle pain, fatigue, and dizziness, serve as critical indicators. Immediate actions like avoiding the heat and drinking water during this time can prevent the condition from worsening.
High-risk groups require extra vigilance, including elderly individuals (especially those over 65), outdoor workers (such as construction workers and delivery personnel exposed to temperatures of 50°C), chronic disease patients (e.g., those on hypertension or diabetes medications), pregnant women, and infants.
2. Scientific Defense: Building Personal Heatstroke Barriers
- Water Intake Matters – Avoid Ice Drinks
It’s crucial to drink about 500ml of cool boiled water or lightly salted water every hour (1 liter of water with half a teaspoon of salt). Avoid drinking too much ice water at once, as it can cause spasms in the stomach and constrict blood vessels, impeding heat dissipation. - Smart Air Conditioning Use
The indoor temperature should not differ from the outdoor temperature by more than 5°C for safety. Before heading outside, turn off the air conditioning to let your body gradually adjust to the temperature. For elderly individuals, try convincing them with these words: “Setting the air conditioning to 28°C + a fan will cost less than 1% of the cost of medical treatment.” - Travel and Work Schedule Strategies
Avoid going out between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. If you must, wear a sunhat and apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Office workers should avoid the “cold-hot stab injury” when entering an air-conditioned space, by wiping off sweat first and gradually adjusting the temperature. - Diet and Rest
Stick to a light diet, ensuring enough protein intake (e.g., eggs and soy products), and get plenty of sleep to build resilience against the heat.
3. First-Aid: Five-Step Rescue to Save a Life
If you encounter someone who has collapsed due to heatstroke, immediately follow the “Move, Cool, Rehydrate, Call, and Send” five-step emergency procedure:
- Move: Move the person to a shaded, well-ventilated area and lay them on their side to prevent choking on vomit.
- Cool: Use ice packs to cool the neck, armpits, and groin, and wipe their body with cool water to aid in heat dissipation. Remove excess clothing to help cooling.
- Rehydrate: Only conscious individuals should drink diluted saltwater; never give water to unconscious persons.
- Call: If the individual has a core temperature above 40°C, is unconscious, or shows no sweating, immediately dial emergency services.
- Send: Even if symptoms improve, the individual should be transported to the hospital for further evaluation to prevent organ failure and other complications.
Severe heatstroke patients require “three-level cooling” for treatment, which involves using ice blankets, ice saline irrigation, and blood purification in critical cases.
4. Guidelines for Special Groups and Occupational Protection
- Elderly: Family members should check in with elderly relatives twice daily, encouraging participation in community “cooling activities.”
- Outdoor Workers: Employers must shorten working hours during high-temperature periods and provide heatstroke prevention medications (e.g., herbal remedies and essential oils).
- Drivers: Do not leave perfumes, lighters, or other flammable items in the car, as they could ignite due to high heat. Always check tire pressure and fluid levels before driving to prevent vehicle fires. Be cautious of “heatwave glare” and wear polarized glasses to reduce fatigue.
5. Behind the Heatwave: A Warning of Climate Migration
This global heatwave is not a mere coincidence. Studies show that global weather patterns are shifting northward, with the UK experiencing temperatures resembling those of Italy in the past, while Italy now feels more like North Africa. Under extreme temperatures, traditional asphalt roads soften and deform at 70°C, like the UK’s A14 highway, which developed a “ridge” shape.
There is an urgent need for infrastructure upgrades. For example, Dubai has enhanced its roads with high-priced polymers to withstand temperatures of 60°C, while China has used pile foundation technologies in frozen soil regions to prevent road subsidence. These innovations highlight the need for both personal protective measures and social systems to adapt to the “new summer.”
Summary
Currently, many regions around the world, including France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and the eastern U.S., are facing extreme heatwaves, with temperatures frequently exceeding 40°C. This prolonged heat poses significant challenges to public health, and preventive measures, especially for high-risk groups, are crucial. As climate change continues to accelerate, extreme heat will likely become more frequent, requiring both individual protective actions and infrastructure adaptations to ensure survival during these heatwaves.
