14:13 / 23.06.2025

Protect yourself in extreme heat: sunstroke and ways to prevent it

With the arrival of the summer season, extremely high temperatures are observed in Uzbekistan, which creates a number of dangerous situations for public health. According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Uzbekistan, sunstroke can occur not only under direct sunlight, but also 6–8 hours after exposure to heat. Therefore, in summer, it is very important for everyone to know the precautions to protect themselves from heat, sunstroke, and its consequences.

Recommendations for preventing sunstroke

Specialists of the ministry recommend people to follow these guidelines:

Avoid being in open sunlight from 10:00 to 17:00 as much as possible, since the sun's rays are most direct at this time.
Choose clothing made only from natural fabrics, light and breathable (cotton, linen).
Wear bright-colored hats and use sunglasses.
Observe your drinking regime: drinking a large amount of water at once can be hard on the heart, so it is recommended to drink brewed tea, mineral water, juices, kvass.
Regularly use sunscreens.
After being in the sun, take a shower or wipe your body with a wet towel.
Avoid being in the sun on an empty stomach or immediately after eating.

Symptoms of sunstroke or heatstroke

In such cases, people may observe the following symptoms:

Weakness, fatigue, headache, feeling thirsty.
Dizziness, ringing in the ears, pain all over the body, rapid pulse and breathing.
Nausea, vomiting, heavy sweating, and in some cases, nosebleeds.
If the condition worsens, cardiovascular and respiratory function deteriorate sharply, and the person may lose consciousness.
Sometimes convulsions, delirium, and even hallucinations may occur.
In severe sunstroke, sweating stops, and if no medical help is provided, heart and breathing may stop.

First aid for sunstroke: vital steps

If a person suffers from sunstroke or heatstroke, prompt and correct help can save their life. The most important thing is not to lose time and not make mistakes:

Immediately move the patient to a cool, shaded place.
Lay them on their back, slightly elevate their head, remove clothing, and ensure free air circulation.
If the patient is conscious, give them strong tea or cold water (add half a teaspoon of salt to half a liter of water).
Moisten their head with cold water or put a wet towel on the head.
In severe cases, wrap the patient in a wet sheet, monitor their body temperature.
If possible, place ice or bottles of cold water under the armpits, in the groin, and behind the knees.
At the same time, the patient should be taken to the nearest hospital, and in severe cases, call an ambulance.

Protection from heat is everyone's duty

During extreme heat, inattention and failure to follow precautions can lead to serious health consequences. Therefore, it is important for everyone to strictly follow the above recommendations and help young people and the elderly. Warning others is also a guarantee of general safety.