Heat stroke hits fishermen in Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah - 'Heat stroke can kill or cause damage to the brain and other internal organs'

A number of fishermen in Ras Al Khaimah have recently suffered heat stroke as they continued to work under the sun in peak summer.
Khalifa Al Muhairi, chairman of the RAK Fishermen Society, said several Emirati and Asian fishermen brave the scorching summer heat at sea so they could make enough money for their families.
"While some usually work from 5.30am to 10am, others go on longer trips up to noon time, so they are exposed to the heat and humidity for longer hours," Al Muhairi said.
Dr Mohamed Kiwan, a physician in the emirate, warned that heat stroke is a medical emergency that could be fatal. As soon as they feel the symptoms, fishermen should seek medical care right away.
He said among the key symptoms are a body temperature greater than 40°C, confusion, dizziness, headache, and the skin turning red.
"Heat stroke can kill or cause damage to the brain and other internal organs, and it mainly affects people over the gae of 50," he said."However, it also takes a toll on healthy young athletes."
It is the most serious form of heat injury, Dr Kiwan warned.
Heat stroke often occurs as a progression from milder heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, fainting, and heat exhaustion, he explained.
"But it can strike even if you have no previous signs of heat injury," Dr Kiwan said. "Time is so critical in such cases that seeking emergency medical help can save one's life."
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Ras Al Khaimah