The Department of Education (DepEd) has adopted strict safety precautions at the ongoing Negros Island Region Athletic Association Meet (NIRAAM) in Bacolod City due to the extreme heat that caused students to faint during its opening rites.
An estimated 50 to 60 students, the majority of whom were performers at the opening of the NIRAAM at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod on Sunday, fainted due to the heat, DepEd NIR spokesperson Almyr Caesar Dequiña said on Monday, March 2.
He said a few those who fainted were athletes.
The number is an estimate because there might have been a duplication in recording, Dequiña added.
The DepEd had medical personnel on hand to immediately address the needs of the students, he said.
One student, who has history of asthma, was referred to a hospital for further assessment and was discharged.
The forecasted heat index for Negros Occidental on Tuesday is 40 degrees Celsius that requires extreme caution, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.
It was also 40 degrees Celsius on Monday.
In view of the forecasted heat index all NIRAAM athletes, coaches, delegation officials, technical officials, and event organizers were directed to implement strict heat safety precautions, Dequiña said
“The safety of our athletes will always be our utmost priority, he said.
The DepEd noted that that prolonged exposure to a 40 degrees Celsius heat index and intense physical activity could lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.
NIRAAM organizers were given the discretion to make the necessary adjustments on the schedules of the games, Dequiña said
They also have the authority to stop a game if heat conditions are unfavorable, he added.
A DepEd advisory instructed athletes to prioritize their health by hydrating consistently before, during, and after their events, rather than waiting until they feel thirsty.
Athletes are also encouraged to take every scheduled hydration break seriously and to proceed immediately to shaded or cooling areas once their competition concludes.
It is vital to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, particularly during the peak heat hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., advisory said.
The athletes were told to listen to their body and report immediately to their coaches or the medical team if they experience dizziness, headaches, muscle cramps, nausea unusual fatigue, and rapid heartbeat since performance must never come at the expense of health, it said.
Coaches and delegation officials were tasked with strictly enforcing hydration protocols, closely monitoring athletes for early signs of heat-related illness, and avoiding overexertion during peak heat hours.
It is equally vital to ensure athletes rest in shaded or ventilated areas between events and to coordinate immediately with the medical team if any symptoms are observed, the DepEd advisory said.
It said technical officials and event organizers are responsible for implementing scheduled hydration breaks, providing accessible water stations, and adjusting competition pacing if heat conditions become extreme.
In the event of a medical emergency—indicated by heat stroke warning signs such as high body temperature, confusion, hot/dry skin, or fainting—an immediate medical response must be activated to ensure the safety of all participants, the advisory said.*
[sibwp_form id=1]