Tirunelveli Medical College Adds Beds To AC Ward For Heat Stroke Patients

The temperature is soaring high in the country with many states witnessing heatwave. One such state is Tamil Nadu, where the Tirunelveli area has experienced a surge in heat. While the summer season is at its peak and the scorching heat is sweeping across the southern state, the district administration has advised the public to protect themselves from heat stroke and stay indoors during the peak heat hours unless mandatory. The officials also took measures to provide immediate treatment to those who are suffering from heat stroke and related ailments.

The Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital has opened a fully air-conditioned ward and added six beds to treat patients suffering from heat stroke. The ward has been set up near the Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) wards in the hospital. Doctors and nurses have been appointed for this very purpose.

Heat-related ailments are currently on the rise across the country and to ensure efficient and quick treatment, the authorities have set this up as a precautionary measure. Peak summer means sweltering heat, dehydration, heat exhaustion, drop in blood pressure, dizziness, headaches and vomiting.

Excessive sweating while walking in the sun is a sign of heatstroke. People are advised to wear tight clothing. To keep the body temperature normal, a wet cloth should be placed on the forehead. Authorities have also instructed people to rub a wet cloth on the abdomen, hands and feet. It is best to drink water by adding a pinch of salt and sugar to restore lost nutrients. Drinking lots of fluids, coconut water and fruit juice should also be consumed to keep the body hydrated.

Recently, an incident from Tirunelveli came to light where a parrot became unconscious after suffering a heat stroke and fell near the District Collector’s office. At first, the bird was thought to be dead, but spectators noticed the bird breathing. Constable Balasubramanian was on duty nearby, stepped in to help the helpless bird. He picked it up and helped revive the parrot by pouring water on the parrot from a nearby water tank. As soon as it regained its consciousness, they made it drink water. They also offered it some food to eat, after which, it flew away.