Extreme Heat Wave Ahead: MDA Publishes Life-Saving Guidelines

A severe to extreme heat wave is expected to hit Israel starting tomorrow (Thursday), and continue until at least the middle of next week. Magen David Adom is preparing for the extreme weather conditions and is calling on the public to prepare accordingly, in order to avoid serious injuries such as dehydration, heatstroke, and even life-threatening conditions - especially among toddlers, the elderly, and those with disabilities.

In recent years, MDA teams have treated many cases of heat injuries - some of which even ended in tragedy. Just yesterday (Tuesday), MDA medics and paramedics provided life-saving medical treatment to a 42-year-old woman who suffered from severe heatstroke in Ramat Gan, and to a one-and-a-half-year-old toddler and an 8-year-old boy who were moderately injured after spending a long time in closed vehicles in Jerusalem and Rishon LeZion.

Dr. Rafael Strogo, MDA Deputy Chief of Medical Affairs said: "The heat wave and high temperatures that are expected to hit the country over the coming week require public caution and vigilance to avoid heatstroke. I recommend drinking plenty of fluids and not spending extended periods in direct sunlight. It is especially important to pay attention to babies and toddlers traveling in cars - they should never be left in a closed vehicle, not even for a minute. Also, maintaining daily contact with older family members can save lives. In cases of confusion, dizziness or a change in consciousness - heatstroke should be suspected, the victim should be cooled, moved to a shady place and immediately dial 101 for the Israel Health and Safety Emergency Center.

Remember:

✔️ Drink plenty of water - at least 3 liters a day.

✔️ Avoid working or going out in the sun during hot hours. Those who are required to work in the sun should wear ventilated clothing, take frequent breaks, and drink plenty of water.

✔️ Avoid going to the beach during hot hours and be sure to enter the water only at designated beaches and during operating hours when there is a lifeguard.

✔️ It is advisable to perform sports activities in the evening when the heat load decreases.

✔️ Pay attention to the elderly, toddlers, and people with disabilities.

✔️ Whenever getting out of the vehicle, look in the back seat and make sure that there are no children left in the vehicle.

✔️ If possible, pets should be left indoors and make sure that there is water available nearby.

In any medical emergency, call MDA's 101 hotline

Zaki Heller

MDA Spokesperson