Heat stroke is a disease caused by the malfunctioning of the body’s thermoregulation due to high temperatures, resulting in an excessive accumulation of heat in the body, which can lead to neurological damage and even death. The disease usually occurs in summer, in environments with high temperatures and humidity.
In previous years, several cases of heatstroke were confirmed in several mainland cities, including Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai, as well as Sichuan and Chongqing, where health professionals working in environments impervious to high temperatures and wearing protective clothing, there have been fatalities among confirmed cases of heatstroke.
In early summer, the temperature in Macau rose to 32 degrees Celsius, and the weather has been extremely hot, with the highest temperature in some areas even exceeding 36 degrees Celsius. High summer temperatures are aggressive and interspersed with hurricane weather changes. The latest forecasts from the Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Services model indicate that this summer the temperature will be normal to high.
Regardless of the heat, frontline civil servants and security forces such as the Public Security Police, Traffic Police, etc. are all in uniform and ready. I have received many comments from frontline officers who say they are doing their jobs, but the heat and the need to wear uniforms to ensure their safety and identity make working outdoors difficult.
The temperature and humidity are high. Internal heat and sweat evaporation during service make people very susceptible to sunstroke, the serious consequences of which, such as neurological damage, are irreversible and must be taken seriously.
We cannot ignore the hard work of our civil servants and security forces who are on the front lines every year in the summer heat. Without your hard work on the front lines, there would not be a stable social security environment. Therefore, the Macao SAR Government should ensure that civil servants and frontline security force personnel have sufficient rest in the hot summer months to avoid physical discomfort caused by overwork.
At the same time, the Government should also pay attention to their work needs, namely by creating a scientific and reasonable shift system to ensure they get enough rest, and provide enough logistical supplies in time for summer, such as installing cooling equipment. (fans and coolers), in the outdoor environment, and the preparation of refreshing drinks for staff to help them rehydrate in time.
Heat stroke is a very dangerous disease that does not heal on its own. Non-treatment or late treatment can lead to sequelae and even death. Even with aggressive treatment, it can leave a series of serious consequences that can affect everyday life. Therefore, we should pay more attention to people working in hot climates to avoid the “tragedy” of heat illness.
*Association of Civil Service Workers of Macao
