Sunil Kumar Naik, an ambulance driver, races through the scorching heat to assist a man suffering from a potential heat stroke. Working alongside paramedic Jitendra Kumar, they quickly assess the patient’s condition and provide necessary medical attention before rushing him to the hospital. This is just one example of the exhausting 12-hour shifts that Naik and Kumar endure during India’s deadly summer.
Extreme heat has become a pressing public health crisis in India, with over 150 fatalities occurring during the recent heat wave in June alone. These prolonged heat waves, a consequence of global warming, have taken the lives of approximately 11,000 individuals this century, though experts believe the actual number is much higher.
Naik and Kumar serve as part of a two-person ambulance crew in Banpur, a poverty-stricken village in the Bundelkhand region. With limited tree cover and scorching temperatures, these healthcare providers transport patients to the local public health center. Thanks to funding from state and federal governments, this essential ambulance service is offered free of charge, acting as a lifeline for those in need.
The dedication of Naik and Kumar is unwavering, despite the harsh conditions they face. Naik, with a white cotton towel wrapped around his head for protection, considers every patient as family and is willing to go above and beyond in providing care. The heat poses challenges for him as a driver, but he acknowledges that it pales in comparison to the hardships endured by patients during medical emergencies.
According to health experts, heat can be deadly, both quickly and slowly. Immediate threats include heat stroke, while individuals with pre-existing health conditions are at risk of suffering prolonged heat-related illnesses. To address these concerns, India developed its first heat action plan in 2013, which emphasized issuing heat alerts, educating vulnerable populations, and providing necessary resources to healthcare facilities. However, the response to extreme heat still requires improvement, with media campaigns and local government initiatives necessary to protect the population.
Aditya Valiathan Pillai of the Centre for Policy Research emphasizes the importance of preparedness in dealing with extreme heat. Cooling centers and healthcare assistance should be integral components of any plan to save lives. As climate change continues to contribute to heat waves, India must adequately equip itself to manage the consequences.
While plans exist on paper, implementation remains a challenge in poorer regions like Uttar Pradesh. Limited resources and infrastructure make the population vulnerable to severe temperatures. Building efficient early warning systems, raising public awareness about heat-related hazards, establishing robust healthcare facilities, and providing targeted assistance to vulnerable communities are crucial steps that must be taken immediately.
In Banpur, paramedic Jitendra Kumar shares housing with several others in the hospital’s guest quarters. With basic amenities and only an old fan for relief, he often begins his workday already drenched in sweat. The ambulance, equipped with air conditioning, is no match for the soaring temperatures outside.
Naik and Kumar frequently skip their lunches to maximize their time on the road. When they do manage to take a break, they find shade to eat their meals. Their dedication to their work is remarkable, even with salaries just slightly exceeding $150.
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