A technique called "cold water immersion" is being used to treat heat stroke in patients. This involves rapidly filling a tub with water and adding about 50 kilograms of ice.
Treating Heat Stroke with Cold Water Immersion Technique
Amidst the increasing heat and threat of heatwaves in North India, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi has created a special unit to treat patients with severe heat stroke. The cold water immersion technique is being used to rapidly lower patients' body temperatures. It is expected that this year will be a severe heat wave. Therefore, this facility is proving to be a vital relief and life-saving measure for patients battling the heat.
Hospital preparations amid heat
In response to the intense heat and increasing heatwave conditions, special arrangements have been made in the hospital's emergency department. The special unit is equipped with ice tubs, monitoring machines, and essential medical equipment.
How does 'cold water immersion' technology work?
The "cold water immersion" technique is being used to treat heat stroke patients. This involves quickly filling a tub with water and adding approximately 50 kilograms of ice. The patient is placed in the cold water to quickly lower the body temperature. According to doctors, this technique is considered extremely effective for severe patients.
Demo and treatment process
To illustrate this technique, a demonstration was conducted with volunteers. The demonstration showed how the patient is placed in a tub, with the neck exposed, while the rest of the body is submerged. Continuous monitoring is performed throughout the treatment to monitor the patient's condition.
What does the doctor say?
Dr. Amlendu Yadav explains that every minute counts in heat stroke. Treatment can begin at home, but hospitalization becomes necessary when the body temperature reaches 104–105 degrees Fahrenheit. In this condition, the body loses its ability to regulate temperature. The patient is rapidly rehydrated and efforts are made to lower the body temperature. Delayed treatment increases the risk of multi-organ failure.
How is treatment done in the hospital?
During treatment, heart rate, oxygen saturation, core body temperature, and water temperature are constantly monitored. The water temperature is maintained between 1 and 5 degrees. According to doctors, it is essential to bring the patient's body temperature to 38 degrees. Each patient is exposed to this therapy for approximately 25 to 35 minutes. According to doctors, heat stroke is a very dangerous condition. If timely treatment is not received, the mortality rate can reach 80 percent.
This is how initial treatment is done in the field and in the ambulance
The hospital also has inflatable tubs, which can be used to treat patients if needed. Additionally, the "taco technique" is used using a tarpaulin, where the patient is placed with 20–25 kg of ice. This technique can also be used in ambulances and in the field.
Which people are more at risk?
According to doctors, people like security guards, construction workers, pregnant women, police officers, and media workers spend extended periods of time in the sun, making them more vulnerable to heat stroke.
