4 LGU staff die as Pili, CamSur grapples with extreme heat
Four workers of the local government of Pili, Camarines Sur have died over the past days as the sweltering heat continued to take its toll on local residents.
According to the GMA Regional TV Balitang Bicolandia report Thursday by Cris Novelo on 24 Oras, the rural health unit of Pili town was looking into the possibility that the extreme heat was a factor in their deaths.
"Actually pinapakuha ko ang death certificate nito to check kung ano ang other details ng kanilang kalagayan na posibleng nag-contribute para mamatay sila," said Dr. Rafael Salles, head of the Pili MHO.
(Actually, I requested for their death certificates to check on the details of their health conditions that might have led to their passing.)
The Pili government said the four fatalities were job order employees assigned to its engineering, public safety office, and market security. They were in their 40s and 50s, the report said.
One of them was a 59-year-old man who reported for duty last week. His co-workers reportedly noticed that he looked pale, and advised him to go to the hospital.
"Ayaw niya sir magpadala sabi niya uuwi aniya ako... talaga sir nagpumilit siyang umuwi sa amin (He really didn't want to go to the hospital... he insisted in coming home)," his wife recalled.
She added, "Pag-idlip niya ng kaunti, maya-maya para siyang umubo—binuhat ko na siya... dinala namin, pagdating namin doon —[tiningnan] po ng doctor, wala na po (He took a nap; later he started coughing—I then carried him... we brought him to the doctor but it was too late)."
Based on its forecast as of 5 p.m. Wednesday, state weather bureau PAGASA said the heat index in Pili, Camarines Sur would likely hit 48°C, topping the list of 39 areas across the country under dangerous levels.
In the wake of their deaths, the Pili LGU has recommended adjustments to the working hours of its workers who spend long hours under the sun.
Pili Mayor Tomas Bongalonta said, "Halimbawa 'yung traffic, kung minsan, mainit pa eh. Talagang ma-traffic na eh, dapat nandiyan sila... Kaya lang sabi ko, dapat mag-adjust kami. Halimbawa, one hour ka lang diyan, papalitan ka na ulit."
(For example, there are times when our traffic enforcers are under the sun for a long time. They should be there to manage traffic... But I told them, we should adjust. For example, one hour for one enforcer, then another takes his spot.)
A total of 67 cases of heat-related illnesses among individuals aged 12 to 21 years old have already been recorded from January 1 to April 29, according to Department of Health (DOH) data. One case was recorded in Ilocos while the rest were in Central Visayas.
If anyone is experiencing heat stroke symptoms, the DOH advised the following first aid measures:
- Move the person to a shaded, cool area, and provide ventilation.
- Remove the person’s outer clothing.
- Apply cold compresses, ice packs, cold water, or cold wet cloth against the skin, especially on the head, face, neck, armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin. If the patient is conscious, encourage frequent slow sips of cool water.
- Contact emergency services or bring the person to the hospital immediately
- To prevent heat-related illnesses, the DOH advised the public to limit time spent outdoors, drink plenty of water, and avoid tea, coffee, soda, and liquor.