Consultant Paediatrician Lady Ridgeway Hospital, Dr. Channa De Silva urged school authorities to conduct any sports or other outdoor events as early in the day as possible to avoid tragic deaths such as that of a child who died during the inter-house marathon race at a school in Tirukkovil, Ampara.
Fielding questions when contacted yesterday (12), Dr. De Silva said it was advisable for schools to organise any sports or other outdoor events before 10 am or as early as possible and to complete the events before the heat and sun come out in all its fury. “These activities cannot be cancelled or postponed but remedial measures could be taken to avoid such incidences from being repeated,” he said. If sports events were long such as a marathon race or cricket matches, short intervals lasting about 15 minutes should be given in between. Also, natural drinks such as water, king coconut water, fruit juices should be given rather than salted frizzy drinks.
In case a student or even an adult has fits of fainting they should be taken to the shade, while steps should be taken to ease the clothing on the upper part of the torso while ventilation should be provided by lessening those crowding around the victim. Medical attention should be sought only after giving such first aid, Dr. De Silva said.
The LRH Pediatrician warned that students and any adults working outside should wear a hat rather than a cap. Long hours in the sun could increase tiredness, cramps cause heat strokes, and shocks. He warned that this could even lead to death.
Also marathon runners or anyone taking part in lengthy sports events should go through an evaluation in order to ensure their fitness to undertake such strenuous activity. There could be a family history of heart conditions, he warned.
By Dilanthi Jayamanne
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