LONDON — BBC presenter Qasa Alom has revealed a terrifying health ordeal following a seemingly innocent mistake during his Wimbledon coverage. The journalist and broadcaster took to Instagram to share that he required hospital treatment after an unexpected reaction to a routine decision.
Alom, known for his work on BBC Breakfast and BBC Radio 5 Live, explained that what began as a minor oversight during the prestigious tennis tournament escalated into a serious medical situation. "Never imagined a simple wardrobe choice could land me in A&E," he wrote alongside a photo of himself receiving treatment.
The Wimbledon Mistake That Sparked the Crisis
According to Alom's detailed account, the issues began when he opted against wearing sunscreen during his outdoor presenting duties at SW19. "The forecast predicted clouds all day, so I thought I'd be fine without protection," he admitted in his post.
The consequences were severe:
- Second-degree burns on his face and neck
- Severe dehydration requiring IV fluids
- Temporary vision impairment from sun exposure
The Medical Fallout
Alom described waking up the night after his shift with "excruciating pain and skin that felt like it was on fire." His partner rushed him to hospital where doctors diagnosed severe sun poisoning.
Treatment Protocol
Medical staff implemented an aggressive treatment plan including:
- Cooling gels and specialized burn dressings
- Intravenous rehydration therapy
- Prescription pain management
Dermatologist Dr. Sarah Jenkins, who wasn't involved in Alom's care but reviewed his case, explained: "This demonstrates how quickly UV damage can occur, even on cloudy days. Presenters working long hours outdoors are particularly vulnerable."
Industry Response and Safety Measures
The BBC has since reviewed its outdoor broadcast protocols. A spokesperson stated: "We take presenter welfare extremely seriously and are implementing additional protective measures for all outdoor assignments."
These include mandatory:
- SPF 50+ sunscreen provision
- Regular shade breaks during filming
- UV exposure monitoring for crews
Alom's Recovery and Warning
Now recovering at home, Alom shared: "I'm lucky it wasn't worse. This has been a brutal lesson in sun safety that I hope others can learn from without going through the pain I experienced."
He urged fellow broadcasters and outdoor workers to always protect themselves, regardless of weather conditions. "That 'quick stint outside' could change your life," he warned.
The incident has sparked wider conversation about occupational sun exposure risks. The British Association of Dermatologists reports a 50% increase in work-related skin damage cases since 2019.
Expert Advice for Outdoor Workers
Dr. Jenkins emphasized three critical protections:
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every two hours
- Wear UPF-rated clothing when possible
- Schedule outdoor work to avoid peak UV hours (11am-3pm)
Alom concluded his post with a heartfelt message: "Grateful to the NHS team who treated me, and to everyone sending kind wishes. Please learn from my mistake - protect your skin!"
The broadcaster expects to return to work soon but will need follow-up dermatology appointments. His experience serves as a stark reminder that sun protection isn't just for beach days - it's essential workplace safety.