While the scorching sun stops most of us from stepping out during the summer heatwave, it’s an everyday battle for the traffic cops who are out and working throughout their eight-hour shift.
Starting the day with a 5 km run gives the required energy and stamina for 37-year-old Ravichandra K, a traffic police personnel from Bangalore. “I have been working in the police department for 15 years and it’s been 2 years since I moved to the traffic police department. Managing traffic takes a lot of energy, especially during IPL matches in Chinnaswamy Stadium where I’m deployed,” says Ravichandra. He works out every day apart from exercises done at the weekly parade which helps him build stamina. “I have never fallen sick or felt weak when I’m working in the hot sun,” he says, adding that most of the traffic cops have got used to working in extreme temperatures.
Summer and traffic police: Protective measures a must
Regular citizens cannot withstand exposure to the sun when it is crossing 35 degrees, says Dr Ramana Rao, Bangalore-based general physician and cardiologist. “The only way to have protection is by using an umbrella or a cap that can avoid direct exposure to the sun. Wearing a full-sleeved shirt or a white shirt, for instance, will deflect the heat and prevent the skin from burning,” Dr Rao tells Happiest Health.
If a person feels that their tongue is dry or they need to purse their lips, it is a sign of not having enough fluids in their body which needs to be addressed immediately to avoid dehydration, said Dr Rao. “Replacing the lost fluid with just the water is not enough. We must ensure that our body gets the required salts to stay hydrated by consuming fluids with salts, fruits, and oral rehydration solution,” he said.
Ravichandra ensures to wear his white slouch hat (Similar to cowboy hat) while standing and manning the traffic along with a face mask. “I don’t prefer eating anything outside during a heatwave. I keep myself hydrated by drinking lots of water, and eating fresh fruits and cucumber that I carry,” said Ravichandra.
Heat rash, a common problem for traffic police during summer
Mamtha V, a lady constable who shifts between traffic management on the field and the paperwork for court proceedings, says that excessive sweat and exposure to heat make them vulnerable to heat rash and skin infections during heatwave. “I take cold showers twice a day to prevent heat rash and keep my body cool. Applying sunscreen or lotion won’t work as it makes the body stickier and more irritated,” she said.
Mamtha says that sometimes, standing out for too long in the sun makes her feel weak and dizzy. “I quickly rush to the shade and drink enough glucose water or ORS. I also add basil seeds to the water to beat the heat. I keep a wet towel and wipe my face and hands in between when the temperature is too high to reduce the heat in my body,” she said.
Dr Rao said that due to excessive heat, the skin oils dry up resulting in the skin becoming flaky, itchy, and getting damaged. “Using soaps with oil ingredients, applying coconut oil or cold creams prevent dry and itchy skin,” he said.
“Hot water baths are a big no during summer as it increases the body temperature. Choosing cool or lukewarm water helps,” he said.
What we eat helps us stay strong
Eating foods that reduce body temperature is key to maintaining our health during summer, says Gopal S, another traffic police personnel who has been working with the department for over 10 years. “A bowl of sprouts and seasonal fruits is my go-to breakfast during the heatwave. I avoid eating meat as it generates excessive heat in the body and drink lots of buttermilk,” he said.
Gopal adds, “Having nutritious food gives us energy to stand and walk around irrespective of how hot the temperature is. I include green leaves and lots of vegetables for my lunch and dinner.”
Kiran Kumar, another traffic police personnel who mostly depends on food and healthy beverages that are available around him, says “I avoid carbonated drinks and packaged juices.”
Dr Rao stressed eating freshly cooked meals and avoiding stale food. “Fermented rice, curd, and buttermilk are good probiotics for summer that are safe to consume,” he said.
Take frequent breaks in shade
Dr Rao says those who are working outside under direct sun exposure must take frequent breaks in the shade.
Kumar’s deployment is closer to a kiosk where he can sit and rest while managing the traffic. “During peak temperature of the day, I sit and take a rest inside the kiosk for a while before resuming the work on the field. There’s a fan and a 10-liter water can which is helpful,” he said.
However, the kiosks are installed only in major junctions, and the traffic cops deployed in other areas largely depend on shade under a tree or a shop close by.
Almost all traffic police personnel are fit and healthy and can withstand the heat, says Joint Commissioner of Traffic, Bangalore City, MN Anucheth, IPS. He adds that they are used to working in all-weather conditions, including heavy rains but their health is never neglected. “All of them regularly get health check-ups and only those who are fit and healthy are deployed on the ground whereas those who have metabolic conditions or any other health risks are given different work that will not affect their health,” he said adding that so far none of them in the department have been down with summer related illnesses.
“There are 140 kiosks in Bangalore and we have asked the BBMP (Greater Bangalore city administration) to install 300 kiosks so that cops at every junction can take rest inside during such high temperatures,” he said.
Takeaways
Beating the summer heat is no joke for the city traffic police who are always found on the ground managing the traffic. Taking frequent breaks, drinking lots of fluids, eating nutritious meals, and consuming seasonal fruits and vegetables, helps them stay active throughout the day during heatwave.
