The Department of Health (DOH) has placed all public hospitals and health facilities on “Code White” alert to ensure their readiness, together with their personnel, to respond to any potential health emergencies, notably heatstroke, during the Lenten season.
The status of high readiness started on April 13 and will stay until Easter Sunday.
“Let me say that the Department of Health has declared Code White on all our hospitals. That means they are ready for all the incidents that can happen for people traveling for this Holy Week,” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said in a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday.
“Our warnings for na effects of heat illness especially for people going to hot areas like the beaches. So, very important, stay protected,” he said.
Based on DOH’s color codes, Code White Alert refers to the readiness of hospitals, particularly, general and orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, internists, operating room nurses, ophthalmologists, and otorhinolaryngologists (eye, ear, nose, throat specialists) to respond to emergencies at any time.
Herbosa strongly advised those going outdoors to use sunscreen, remain hydrated, and avoid long exposure to sun and heat.
Herbosa said individuals experiencing extremely high body temperature should cool down immediately. He said symptoms of heat-related illness include severe thirst and cold sweats.
“Kapag hindi mo nakorek iyon, magko-collapse ka. So, it’s important early on na mag-cool down ka. If you’re thirsty, you drink plenty of water,” Herbosa said, stressing those who lost consciousness should be immediately treated.
“If you feel weak, fatigue… next step after thirst is iyong heat fatigue or heat weaknesses, (pumunta) ka na sa shade or mag-aircon ka,” he said.
The elderly and children are prone to experiencing extreme heat, Herbosa said.
As a precautionary measure against drowning, Herbosa said it is important to keep watch over family members and friends, especially in vacation and relaxation destinations, while they enjoy the beaches and swimming pools.
Herbosa also warned the public not to drink alcohol and drive, not to text and drive, and to always follow traffic rules. | PND
