However, most of the cases are not fatal. The World Health Organisation says more than 100 000 people died from heatwaves between 1998 and 2017.
Heatwaves are prolonged periods of excessive heat that persist for three days or more. A study released by the South African Medical Research Council reveals that infants, the elderly, people with disabilities, and pregnant women are most vulnerable to heat strokes. It’s also believed that heat waves cause irritability, which leads to gender-based violence, among others.
Heat strokes come in three stages if it’s not treated: first, dehydration, then heat exhaustion, followed by a heat stroke. Precautionary measures for those outdoors need to be taken. But what happens when you suffer a heatstroke and you need to visit a hospital? First, a file is opened at the hospital. After that, you are assessed. Depending on the assessment, you will either be transferred to a general unit or an emergency unit. If needs be, you will be hospitalised.
The climate change bill before parliament aims to develop an effective long-term climate change response.