EMSA Issues Heat Alert

Several consecutive days of extreme heat are taking a toll on Tulsans. By 6 p.m. on Saturday, EMSA paramedics had treated at least five patients suffering from symptoms of heat-related illness after prolonged time in the heat.

The high incidence of calls has led EMSA to issue a heat alert for Sunday, for the Tulsa area. When EMSA provides care to five or more patients with symptoms of heat-related illness in a 24-hour period and high temperatures are expected to continue, EMSA sounds an alert to warn citizens of the potential health risk.

Patients treated on Saturday ranged in age from 18 to 50. Symptoms reported included dizziness, fainting, nausea, weakness and profuse perspiration. Three of the five patients were taken to a hospital.

Though working outdoors or in a hot indoor environment can increase one's risk of succumbing to heat illness, even leisurely outdoors activities can be dangerous when heat indices climb above 100 degrees. Patients treated on Saturday included a young man enjoying himself at an outdoor music festival and a man simply riding in a car that had no air conditioning.

Persons exhibiting symptoms of heat-related illness should move inside to a cool place and sip small amounts of water. If symptoms don't rapidly improve, individuals should contact their doctor or call 911 for emergency help.

People of any age can be sickened, even killed, after too much time in the heat.

To avoid heat-related illnesses on EMSA Heat Alert days, 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