Preventive measures against heatstroke

In hot and humid conditions, the thermoregulation of the body through sweating may stop functioning properly causing heat to accumulate in the body. This state is referred to as heatstroke.

Heatstrokes may occur not only when outside but also when inside the house and without moving. While it is a condition that can be mitigated through preventive measures, it can lead to death in some cases.

Gaining proper understanding of heatstrokes, paying attention to changes in our physical constitution, and being watchful of our surroundings is key to preventing health damage through heatstroke.

What can we do to protect ourselves against heatstrokes

It is important to adjust preventive measures to the respective environment you are in

When inside

• Make smart use of fan and AC, adjust the temperature

When outside

• Stay in the shadow, use a parasol, wear a hat, avoid direct sunlight and take breaks regularly
• Choose clothing that is air-permeable, absorbs moisture and dries quickly
• Cool down using icepacks, ice and wet towels

Whether inside or outside, drink regularly and not just when feeling thirsty.

Also, to promote resilience against heat, a proper diet and sufficient sleep is paramount.

Let us avoid heat and take precautions to protect our health.

Advice for vulnerable persons

• It is important to be extra careful when exposing children to heat as they are less capable of thermoregulation compared to adults
• Around half of the people afflicted by heatstroke are 65 years and above. Their perception regarding heat and sufficient water intake and their body’s ability to self-regulate have often deteriorated, making them particularly vulnerable to heatstroke
• People with disabilities may not be able to articulate symptoms by themselves and require extra attention

Possible symptoms of a heatstroke

• Dizziness, lightheadedness from standing up, yawning, numbness of the limbs, cramping, excessive sweating
• As the symptoms progress, we might see headaches, weariness, loss of judgment/focus
• A serious heatstroke might present itself via nonsensical repsonses, unresponsiveness and convulsions. 

How to react when seeing someone who might have a heatstroke?

Take the person to a cool place

• The person should for example be taken inside, somewhere well-ventilated, with air conditioning, or into the shade, to cool them down. 

Cool down the person's body

• Loosen the person’s clothing and cool down their body (Especially around the neck, under the armpits, around the hip area.)

Rehydrate

• Use oral rehydration solutions etc. to rehydrate

Should the person not be able to drink on their own and is unresponsive, call an ambulance immediately!

Cooling shelters will be opened when a Heatstroke Special Alert is issued.

Find a list of designated cooling shelters in Kobayashi below.

It has become mandatory for business operators to implement heatstroke-countermeasures (prosecutable)

This applies to types of work that include tasks done in  “28 heat (WBGT index) or 31 degrees and above” “continuously for 1 hour or longer or for longer than 4 hours within 1 day”.

For more detailed information, refer to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s homepage.

Counter measures against heatstroke at the workplace

Find easy-to-understand information on counter measures, symptoms and coping methods in these leaflets

These leaflets are provided by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. (Japanese only)

How to protect yourself against heatstroke(PDFファイル:1.2MB)

Counter measures for people not used to heat(PDFファイル:1.2MB)

Counter measures for elderly people(PDFファイル:1.5MB)

Counter measure for people with disabilities(PDFファイル:1.5MB)

STOP! Heatstroke: Cool-Work Campaign(PDFファイル:1.5MB)

Let’s all prevent heatstroke!(PDFファイル:2.5MB