Summer is coming, a time when we want to take care of both the children and the teachers

The rainy season has begun, and summer is finally on its way.
As we head into this season, I imagine conversations in the staff room are increasingly turning to, "We want to be careful about heatstroke again this year, don't we?"

In the schoolyard, there are the lively voices of children playing, drenched in sweat.
Teachers call out, "Have you had a drink of water?" and "Make sure to wear your hat."
But have you ever stopped for a moment and thought, "What about me?"
Do you ever find yourself putting off hydration or taking a break? Doesn't that happen?

The "common gaps" of summer are also a seasonal tradition in childcare settings.

The children are truly full of energy in the hot schoolyard.
On the other hand, teachers might be thinking, "How many times have I applied sunscreen today?" while
sometimes finding ways to protect themselves with parasols or hats.

Children innocently ask, "Teacher, that hat looks hot!" or "Why are you wearing long sleeves?"
At times like that, I'm sure it's a "common experience" for many of you to think, "I'd actually like to cool off in the shade for a bit, too."

Starting this year, let's also prioritize heatstroke prevention for teachers.

With the rules from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare changing this year,
heatstroke prevention for teachers themselves is being highlighted again as an "important part of the school's work."
Specifically, what points are likely to be important?

• Improving the work environment
  - Installation of air conditioners and electric fans
  - Providing shade and spaces to cool down
  - An atmosphere where staff encourage each other to "take a break here"

• Utilizing the WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) index
  - A "heat guideline" that considers not just temperature, but also humidity and sunlight
  - Making decisions to refrain from outdoor play without pushing it on days when the WBGT value is high

• Creating an atmosphere where it is easy to communicate physical condition
  - A school culture where you can easily say, "I'm not feeling well today..."
  - Interactions where staff look out for each other, saying "Have you had some water?" or "Please go take a break"

• Coordinating for emergencies on a daily basis
  - Communication and support flows for when someone becomes ill
  - Regularly confirming movement paths and communication methods with everyone

In your school, which of these are you already doing?
There might be other ideas that suit your current workplace as well.

To work together in unity—structure, procedures, and communication might be the keys.

What kind of mechanisms could serve as hints for promoting heatstroke prevention as a "shared responsibility"?

• Building a structure
  - The principal or head teacher forms a "Heatstroke Prevention Team"
  - Assigning roles such as someone to measure WBGT/temperature, someone for health checks, and someone for emergency contact

• Creating procedures
  - Summarizing the flow of "What should we do if someone becomes ill?"
  - Creating manuals for criteria to stop outdoor play, rules for indoor evacuation, and contacting parents
  - Conducting simulations or practice sessions periodically if necessary

• Informing relevant parties
  - Sharing with staff during morning assemblies, meetings, via notices, or handouts
  - Informing parents and the school doctor about "our school's heatstroke prevention measures"
  - Might there be opportunities to cooperate with the local community?

If "structure," "procedures," and "communication" are solid in this way,
don't you feel like everyone could act with peace of mind when the time comes?

Regarding the strengthening of heatstroke prevention in the workplace

If heatstroke is suspected—why not imagine how both children and teachers should act?

No matter how careful you are, changes in physical condition can happen suddenly.
In such moments, what actions can be taken on-site to ensure peace of mind?

• If you find a child or teacher who seems unwell...
  - Move to a cool place and rest
  - Loosen clothing and cool the neck and underarms
  - If they are conscious, provide water and salt little by little
  - Monitor breathing and condition, and call for emergency services immediately if concerned

How naturally do you think these responses could be carried out at your facility?
Please use this as an opportunity to think about what might make your workplace feel more secure.

Conclusion—Protecting yourself might also be an important part of your job

The hot summer is about to arrive in full force.
The well-being of the children, as well as the well-being of the teachers themselves, leads to the peace of mind of the entire facility.

"Maybe I should drink some water today too," "Is it okay if I take a short break?"
Why not ask yourself questions like these?

Also, regarding ideas from your workplace or "how our facility handles things,"
it would be wonderful if you could share what is actually useful with various other facilities.