First heatstroke patient admitted to RML as temperature hits 48°C in Delhi

A 24-year-old student from West Bengal has become RML Hospital's first heatstroke patient this year. Heatstroke is the most severe form of heat-related illness and occurs when the body loses its ability to regulate temperature after prolonged exposure.

In Short

• RML Hospital received its first heatstroke victim of the season
• Doctors said delayed treatment can make heatstroke deadly within hours
• Watch out for early symptoms such as dizziness, confusion and high body temperature

As North India continues to battle an intense heatwave, a 24-year-old student from West Bengal is in critical condition after being the first heatstroke victim this year admitted to Delhi's Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.

The student's health deteriorated while travelling on a train and developed an extremely high fever of 105 Fahrenheit.

Dr. Ajay Chauhan, Director Professor of Medicine at the hospital, said the patient was brought to the emergency department unconscious on the intervening night of May 20 and 21.

“We received our first heatstroke patient at the RML Hospital on the intervening night of May 20-21. The 24-year-old youth from West Bengal was travelling on train when his health deteriorated. He was brought to the hospital in an unconscious state. We took immediate action and tried to cool down his body. He is admitted to the medicine ward and is still critical,” Dr. Chauhan said.

Warning that heatstroke can quickly turn fatal if treatment is delayed, the doctor urged people to take heatwave advisories seriously.

“I would like to inform you all that heatstroke can be deadly if not treated on time. People should follow weather department's update regarding heatwave and take required steps to avoid heatstroke,” he added.

Amid rising temperatures, the hospital has also activated its dedicated Heat Stroke Unit for the summer season.

The specialised unit was first made operational last year and has now been fully prepared to handle a possible surge in heat-related illnesses.

NORTH INDIA HIT WITH SCORCHING HEATWAVES

The development comes as large parts of North and Central India remain under severe heat stress.

On Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh’s Banda recorded the country’s highest temperature at a scorching 48.2 degrees Celsius.

According to the India Meteorological Department, severe heatwave conditions are expected to continue across northwest and central India through the week, while eastern India is likely to face intense heat stress for at least five more days.

Several states have recorded temperatures between 40 and 47 degrees Celsius, with many cities reporting readings significantly above seasonal averages.

WHAT IS HEATSTROKE?

Heatstroke is the most severe form of heat-related illness and occurs when the body loses its ability to regulate temperature after prolonged exposure to extreme heat or physical exertion in hot weather.

Normally, the body cools itself through sweating. But during extreme heat, this cooling system can fail, causing body temperature to rise rapidly — often above 40 degrees Celsius. This can damage the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles, and may become life-threatening if not treated immediately.

People travelling on overcrowded trains or buses, outdoor workers, elderly people, children and those with dehydration or chronic illnesses are particularly vulnerable.

EARLY SYMPTOMS OF HEATSTROKE

Doctors say recognising warning signs early can save lives. Symptoms may begin with heat exhaustion and quickly worsen into heatstroke.

Common warning signs include:

• Extremely high body temperature
• Hot, flushed or dry skin
• Excessive sweating initially, followed by lack of sweating
• Severe headache
• Dizziness or fainting
• Weakness and fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat
• Muscle cramps
• Confusion or disorientation
• Slurred speech
• Seizures or unconsciousness in severe cases

If someone develops confusion, collapses, or becomes unconscious during extreme heat exposure, it is considered a medical emergency.

HOW TO PREVENT HEATSTROKE

Health experts advise people to minimise exposure to direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours, especially between 12 pm and 4 pm.

Here are some key precautions:

• Drink plenty of water even if not thirsty
• Avoid alcohol, excessive caffeine and sugary drinks
• Wear loose, light-coloured cotton clothes
• Use caps, umbrellas or scarves outdoors
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat hours
• Never leave children or elderly people inside parked vehicles
• Eat light meals and include fruits with high water content
• Keep homes ventilated and cool
• Watch for signs of dehydration and exhaustion

Doctors also recommend checking on elderly family members, outdoor workers and people travelling long distances during heatwave conditions.

If someone is suspected to have heatstroke, they should be moved to a cool place immediately, excess clothing should be removed, and cold water or ice packs should be applied while waiting for emergency medical help.

- Ends