Intense heat leaves school students unconscious during sports practice

By Suranga Rajanayake   

A group of students from a school in Galaha, Gampola, became seriously ill and fainted when exposed to intense heat during sports practice outdoors. They were admitted to Galaha Hospital, and two of them who were in critical condition were transferred to Peradeniya Teaching Hospital. 

 
A medical officer of Galaha Hospital said eleven students affected by heat stroke and dehydration were admitted to the hospital and two of them in critical condition and transferred to Peradeniya Teaching Hospital for further treatment. He said the group of students were between 11 and 17 years of age.   

The official said the two students admitted in an unconscious state to Galaha Hospital were provided urgent treatments for about one and a half hours and transferred to Peradeniya Teaching Hospital after they regained consciousness.   

Doctors said the students exposed to the prevailing intense heat would be susceptible to serious disorders including obstructions to kidney functioning, causing the death.