Tulsa Under EMSA Heat Alert

When EMSA responds to five or more heat-related medical calls in a 24-hour period and dangerously hot weather is expected to continue, an EMSA Heat Alert is issued.

Symptoms of heat-related illness include muscle cramps, heavy perspiration, headache, nausea or vomiting, faintness and fatigue. Anyone with these symptoms should move inside to a cool place and sip small amounts of water. Drinking too much too fast can increase nausea. If symptoms don't rapidly improve, call a doctor or 911 for emergency help.

Anyone, regardless of age, can get sick or even killed after too much time in the heat. By 5 p.m. on Friday, EMSA paramedics had provided care to five patients suffering from symptoms of heat-related illness. Patients ranged in age from 29 to 86, and all had been involved in leisurely outdoor activities when or just before falling ill. Four of the five patients required treatment at local hospitals. All of them were in fair condition at last check.

To avoid heat-related illnesses, paramedics urge everyone to take extra precautions, including:

• Reducing outdoor activity
• Avoiding exercise during the heat of the day
• Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water (and limiting caffeinated beverages and alcohol which can contribute to dehydration)
• Wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing
• Visiting a library, indoor shopping mall, community center or church if there is no air conditioning in the home