MANILA — The Department of Health Center for Health Development-Calabarzon has joined the investigation following the fire drill incident involving 83 Gulod National High School students in Barangay Mamatid last March 23 (Thursday) who suffered from heat exhaustion and were rushed to the Cabuyao City Hospital and Ospital ng Cabuyao.
On the following day, Friday 24 March 2023, an additional 24 students were also rushed to CCH and 14 of them are now under observation.
Probers aver that around 3,000 students from Gulod National High School-Mamatid Extension participated in the fire drill in an open area on Thursday at around 2:30 pm.
The heat index in the city was recorded at approximately 39 to 42 degrees Celsius from 1 pm to 3 pm.
The DOH Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) also conducted an investigation and is in close coordination with its city and provincial counterpart on the ongoing case while awaiting further details on the hospitalized students.
The DOH stressed the risk of heatstroke and other summer diseases.
According to PAGASA, the heat index may continue to rise in the coming days on or before the Holy Week.
Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that can occur after exposure to high temperatures and is often accompanied by dehydration.
Although heat exhaustion is not as severe as heat stroke, it should not be taken lightly.
Without proper intervention, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, damaging the brain and other vital organs and even causing death.
The most common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are confusion, dark-colored urine (a sign of dehydration), dizziness, fainting, fatigue, headache, muscle and abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, pale skin, profuse sweating, and rapid heartbeat.
If signs of heat exhaustion occur, drink plenty of water, move to a cool place as soon as possible, rest and stop doing any activity, and seek help. If symptoms worsen, call the hotlines for emergency medical care.
Monitor infants, people 65 and older, and people who are overweight and physically ill. They are at greater risk than others. Avoid overexerting during work or exercise.
Stay hydrated and stay informed.
For questions or immediate medical response, go to the nearest hospital in your area, or call these hotline numbers: Disaster Risk Reduction Management Health (DRRM-H) mobile numbers 0945-637-2023 and 0920-251-0151.
(Amado Inigo/MTVN)
