HEAT MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES

The ISPP Heat Management Guidelines have been developed to ensure that all students and staff in International School of Phnom Penh are protected from heat related illness, ranging from heat cramps to exhaustion and potential heat stroke, a life-threatening emergency due to the body’s inability to cool oneself due to extreme heat.

 Heat Related Illnesses - Definitions 

Heat Cramps are experienced from fluid loss due to heavy sweating and usually occur in the abdomen or legs.

Heat Exhaustion derives from prolonged exposure in hot conditions with high fluid loss due to heavy sweating and an elevated body temperature below 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit)

Heat Stroke is a condition when the core body temperature is higher than 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) and is potentially fatal.  Heat Stroke is a serious condition, with complications involving the central nervous system that occur after prolonged exposure to high temperatures. 

Cambodia has a hot and humid climate for most of the year, with the temperature and humidity combining to make the temperature feel considerably hotter. At ISPP, we monitor weather conditions via Accuweather’s Realfeel measurement.

 Prevention 

Students engaging in outdoor activities including recess, PE and sport are supported to observe the following preventative measures;

• Wear a sun hat – the red ISPP ball caps or bucket hats are mandatory in the elementary grades.

• Wear sunscreen

• Hydrate often

• In high temperatures, stay in shaded areas as much as possible.