Heat stroke is a condition consisting of disturbances in the temperature regulating function of the human body due to high temperatures, resulting in an excessive accumulation of heat. The disease can cause neurological damage and even death, with a higher incidence during the summer months with high temperatures and humid weather.
A number of cases of heat stroke have been reported in regions of mainland China such as Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai. Among these many confirmed cases are health officials, who work with protective suits in high temperatures, some even ending in fatalities.
On June 18, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases increased rapidly after a local outbreak. Following the “zero infection” policy, the Macao SAR government deployed a number of workers to organize more than 10 phases of universal testing. In addition to the help of volunteers, several civil service workers and health care workers left their workplaces to take the frontlines of the epidemic fight, wore waterproof protective suits and worked long hours without any rest or breaks. The security forces also saw their weekly working hours go from 44 to 60 hours.
Frontline workers are most at risk of heat stroke. While these outdoor workers suffer from high-temperature burns, internal heat dissipation and the evaporation of their sweat create a high-temperature, high-humidity environment perfect for heat stroke. This is a condition with serious consequences, including neurological damage, and so it should be taken seriously.
The Macao SAR government must not only timely compensate these workers in the civil service, health sector and security forces for their frontline work, but also recognize their contribution so that they can return to serving the community in the future. Authorities should also pay attention to the needs of these employees and their work environment, with a science-based shift system that helps them get the rest they need. It is important to ensure that summer supplies are replenished in a timely manner, including the installation of fans and air coolers in outdoor spaces, as well as refreshing drinks to hydrate these employees.
Finally, it is essential to reiterate that heat stroke does not treat itself. The lack of treatment can cause serious sequelae and even death. Even with the most aggressive treatments, there is always the possibility of serious damage. We must therefore offer extra care to those fighting the epidemic in these hot times to avoid tragedies.
*Association of Public Service Workers of Macau
