Student-athletes who participated in the Provincial Sports Meet in Negros Occidental were reported to have experienced heat exhaustion despite fixed hours scheduled for sporting events from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. only, and to resume at 3 p.m.

According to ground medical responders, they attended to heat-related injuries.

However, the Division of Negros Occidental has not furnished official data yet on athletes who were beset by heat stress.

“Mas marami ang heat-related injuries kesa sports-related injuries, including sa aming billeting na panay mga heat-related,” Dr. Dominique Cheung, medical officer, said.

The medical team is also prepared for incidents of "epistaxis," more commonly known as nosebleeds because of the extreme heat.

“Ang nangyayari is nagda-dilate ang blood vessel sa ilong, so ipapa-cool down natin ang ating katawan. Ang gagawin natin, uminom for hydration. But water is not enought, upang ma-cool down ang ating body maglagay tayo ng yelo sa ating leeg, kili-kili, at noo,” Dr. Cheung added.

The condition of para-athletes or athletes with special needs is also monitored.

“As of the moment our para-athletes are having a hard time to manage themselves,” Jaypee Batis-laong, Para-Games coach, disclosed.

However, para-athlete Redick has managed to deal with the situation.

“Masaya lang. Kung ano ang makakaya, ang mahalaga masaya at nakapaglaro,” Redick said.

Experts have recommended that student-athletes should stay under the shade if they are not part of any scheduled sporting event in the hours prescribed, and to avoid roaming around the venue, Panaad Park and Stadium.

“If possible, huwag tayong magbilad sa araw kasi isa ito sa mga nagco-cause ng dehydration sa katawan natin,” Red Cross-Negros Occidental Chapter Focal Person Rizaldy Alunan said.

Aside from concerns on sporting venues, the warm billeting area and certain lack in water supply are also being monitored.