Elderly woman overcome by hot weather outside Heartbeat@Bedok, polyclinic staff to the rescue
An elderly woman was overcome by heat outside Heartbeat@Bedok on July 13 and taken to the hospital.
Stomper Mark shared photos of the woman leaning against an elderly man surrounded by medical staff from the nearby polyclinic at around 11.20am. Medical equipment can also be seen on the ground.
"Kudos to the public-spirited people of Bedok who immediately called the Bedok Polyclinic's staff to help an elderly woman in distress," said the Stomper.
"Kudos also to the doctor and five nurses who immediately responded and showed the utmost professionalism and dedication."
The SingHealth polyclinic is located in the Heartbeat@Bedok building.
In response to a Stomp query, a spokesperson for SingHealth Polyclinics said the woman was feeling faint and breathless from the hot weather.
"The Heartbeat@Bedok building management activated the A&E ambulance while our staff attended to her. She was sent to Changi General Hospital thereafter," said the spokesperson.
Bedok Polyclinic added: "We thank you for the compliments."
According to the Meteorological Service Singapore, the first half of July was not as hot as the month before. There was only one day where the highest temperature across the island was above 34 deg C.
For the rest of July, the daily maximum temperatures are likely to range between 33 and 34 deg C on most days. On a few days, the thermometer could reach a high of slightly above 34 deg C.
Higher temperatures tend to affect older people more as they may not be able to cool down effectively because they sweat less, one doctor told The Straits Times.
The elderly also have reduced blood flow to the skin, which impacts the transfer of heat from the body core to the skin for dissipation.
