Ivana Stefanović, a doctor at the City Institute for Emergency Medical Aid, advised citizens today not to go outside during the hottest part of the day, to consume light food, and to hydrate their bodies as much as possible.
Stefanović told Tanjug that it is surprising that in the last 24 to 36 hours, in every shift of emergency medical services, there has been a report of a fall from a height and appealed to citizens to be cautious, as it is possible to feel dizzy due to a drop in pressure, especially if exposed to the sunny side.
„When adjusting the blinds, a man fell from a height. Maybe such tasks should be postponed, but the most important thing is that when performing such tasks, do not consume alcohol. Alcohol in this heat is not a good way to cool down, even some drinks that we all love. Just know that with every glass of this type of alcoholic beverage, you lose fluid because alcohol acts on our body in such a way that after a glass of alcoholic beverage, you should drink three glasses of water to make up for it,“ she said.
She advised people who have to work during the hottest part of the day to have water or lemonade sweetened with honey with them.
„The heart requires something salty and sweet to maintain pressure and of course liquid to maintain hydration,“ she said.
When asked which category of citizens least tolerate such heat, Stefanović stated that patients suffering from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease called emergency medical services the most last night, but cardiovascular patients are the most at risk.
„When there was cooling, they called because of increased pressure, and now, with their therapy, there may be a sudden drop in pressure. They are advised to stay at home, especially during the hottest part of the day, and please, feel free to use all means of cooling,“ the doctor appealed.
She instructed citizens that if someone feels unwell in their presence due to the heat, they should, if conditions allow, take them to a cooled room.
„If he is talking, regaining consciousness and just says he’s not feeling well, feel free to give him something salty and sweet and plenty of water to drink. If he doesn’t come to, if he has been unconscious all the time, turn him to the lateral coma position and immediately call emergency medical services. Do not try to give him anything,“ she said.
Stefanović said that fatigue can be different from a condition caused by high temperatures and that if someone feels unusually bad and cannot walk more than 10 meters, they should stop and call emergency medical services.
„If you suddenly feel dizzy, somehow get down before you fall, and it would be good to call emergency medical services while you are still in that position,“ she said.
The doctor advised citizens to avoid exercising in high temperatures if they are not in a cooled room or in gyms with air conditioning.
„Of course, all professional athletes do not have that luxury and their bodies are prepared. All others who do not have to, simply postpone this hottest time,“ she said.
