During times of extraordinary heat, one should not hesitate to cancel or postpone outdoor activities and exercise. For teachers, they must make decisions that do not place children in danger.
A 6-year-old first-grade boy at an elementary school in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, died soon after returning from a field trip. He had suffered sunstroke, the most severe type of heatstroke.
As the class walked to a park about 1 kilometer from the school as part of a lesson, the boy lagged behind other students. The homeroom teacher led him by the hand, and the boy said he was "tired" on the way to and from the park.
After returning to school, the boy rested on the classroom floor. His lips lost color and he was taken to the hospital after losing consciousness, the school explained. This is a heartbreaking incident.
The temperature in Toyota peaked at 37.3 C that day. A high temperature warning had been issued that morning, and the temperature was 33.4 C at 11 a.m., when the field trip took place. Three other children also said they felt unwell due to heatstroke.
At a news conference, the principal apologized for the school's "lax judgment." Why couldn't the school have decided to cancel the outing? Or why couldn't the teacher have decided to take the student back to school sooner? The school's awareness about the risks of heatstroke can only be described as insufficient.
Children in the lower grades of elementary school have not yet fully developed the ability to regulate their body temperature. Because these children are small, they are also more susceptible to heat reflected from the ground. Close attention must be given to changes in their condition, such as their complexion.
Making careful decisions is essential, especially with regard to a school's group activities, given that there are differences between the strength and physical condition of each student.
Elderly also need to be aware
The boy's classroom did not have air-conditioning. Following fierce heat and the greater use of air-conditioning in homes in recent years, the number of elementary and junior high schools equipped with air conditioners has increased. Even so, only about half of schools nationwide have air conditioners. If a person is suspected to be suffering from heatstroke, it is important to quickly administer first aid, such as by taking them to a school nurse's office that is kept cool and then cooling the person's neck, groin and other areas.
During the previous school year, there were 4,940 cases in which children suffered heatstroke and received medical attention while under supervision of their school. Every year, fatal cases tend to occur around late July, when people are not yet accustomed to the summer heat. These cases happen at times such as when junior high and high school students are engaged in extracurricular activities.
Children involved in these activities tend to train for long hours during the summer holidays. Regardless of whether students are training indoors or outdoors, they should not push themselves too hard.
Two high-pressure systems sitting over Japan have brought sweltering weather to the nation. Between July 9 and 15, 9,956 people were taken to the hospital for heatstroke. This was about 2,500 more people than during the same period last year. During the week, 12 people died from heatstroke and 189 people were also in critical condition.
Nearly half of those taken to the hospital were elderly people. It becomes harder for elderly people to sense the heat or feel thirsty, and their ability to regulate their body temperature also declines. They should use air-conditioning without hesitation, and when going outside they should wear hats or use parasols to avoid direct sunlight. Staying hydrated is essential.
People engaging in recovery work in parts of western Japan affected by the recent torrential rain also should take plenty of rest in cool places.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 20, 2018)
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