Managing Heatstroke Risk During RSA Wait in Malaysia MyMechanic

Make the space safe, then cool

• Park straight on the shoulder or a lay‑by, hazards on; keep traffic‑side doors closed and use only the safe‑side door if needed.
• If a barrier is nearby and conditions are calm, one adult can move behind it with children; otherwise, remain belted and start cooling routines promptly.
• Skip triangle placement if walking space is tight or sun exposure is extreme; safety and shade take priority.

• Small sips every 10–15 minutes instead of big gulps.
• Add electrolytes lightly if sweating is heavy; alternate with plain water.
• Label bottles or assign one per person to reduce sharing and ensure steady intake.

• Use short A/C cycles if it’s safe to idle.
• Between cycles, crack a safe‑side window and deploy sunshades on the sunny side; create shade with a thin towel on a window.
• Rotate seats slightly or recline a notch to relieve pressure points.

Clothing and comfort

• Loosen belts and choose light, breathable fabrics.
• Place a thin cloth between hot seat material and skin; avoid blasting cold air directly at the face.
• Use a damp cloth on pulse points (wrists, neck) for quick cooling.

Food and energy

• Light snacks: bananas, crackers, plain biscuits.
• Avoid greasy, spicy, or very sweet foods that increase thirst.
• Keep a small trash bag for wrappers to maintain clean air.

• Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, cramps, clammy skin.
• Heatstroke red flags: confusion, hot dry skin, rapid pulse, fainting—emergency.
• Response: shade, loosen clothing, cool with damp cloths, small sips; call urgent medical help if red flags appear.

• Smaller, more frequent sips; watch for irritability or quietness.
• Use sunshades, cooling towels, and a gentle breeze; never leave anyone in a sealed, unventilated cabin.
• For infants/heat‑sensitive passengers, prioritise a move to a shaded public spot only if driving is safe; otherwise, keep cooling cycles and wait.

If the cabin is getting too hot

• Ask about a short relocation to a shaded public area if the car drives normally and the route is simple.
• Drive slowly with low A/C; abort at the first sign of mechanical strain or warnings.
• If immobile, intensify hydration/cooling cycles and request expedited support.

Phone, battery, and visibility

• Keep one phone for calls; dim screen and close background apps.
• Use reflective wear or a clip‑on light only if stepping out on the safe side is clearly necessary.
• Avoid prolonged doors‑open posture; it invites heat and reduces security.

Glovebox heat kit (small, big impact)

• 2–4 small water bottles, electrolyte sachets, sunshades, thin towel, wipes, light snacks, compact clip‑on fan or cooling towel.
• Reflective vest and a cap/scarf for sun if stepping out on the safe side is unavoidable; a basic thermometer/wearable helps track heat stress.

When to stop waiting and escalate

• Heatstroke red flags: confusion, fainting, very hot dry skin—call for medical help immediately.
• Cabin heat remains high despite cycles—request a tow to shade.
• New red warnings (coolant, oil, brake) while idling—shut down, maintain shade/hydration, wait for recovery.

• Family‑first prompts for hydration, shade, and cooling steps.
• Clear updates on waiting in place vs. brief relocation if safe.
• Smooth handover after long waits with a comfort‑focused route onward.

Frequently Asked Questions