Study of awareness of heat related illness in paramedical staff

Dr. Khyati Kakkad; Dr. Hardik Parmar; Dr. Vivek Mehta; Dr. Dhara Patel; Dr. Pooja Gotecha

Volume : IX, Issue : VII, July - 2020

Study of awareness of heat related illness in paramedical staff

Dr. Khyati Kakkad, Dr. Hardik Parmar, Dr. Vivek Mehta, Dr. Dhara Patel, Dr. Pooja Gotecha

Abstract :

Introduction: extreme heat is an important weather hazard associated with excess mortality and morbidity found in cities worldwide. Ahmedabad city faced major casualty in summer months in 2010 due to high heat wave. This evoked urge of setting Heat Action Plan in 2013. One of the main strategies is capacity building in health care professionals- medical & paramedical staff. Purpose of the study was to evaluate awareness regarding heat related illnesses in nursing students. Methodology: The cross sectional questionnaire based study was conducted in July 2018 at L. G. Hospital by interviewing nursing students with preformed validated questionnaire. All the data was analysed and tabulated by proper statistical methods. Result: Total 130 nursing students were selected as sample. Out of which 63% students have awareness regarding heat wave. There is lack of knowledge regarding symptoms and primary treatment of heat related illness. Conclusion: This study supported the need for increased public education and awareness activity as a critical measure to tackle the impact of heat related illness. Cost of setting up a heat preparedness plan is cheaper than the cost of lives.