EMSA: Elderly Couple Hospitalized After AC Goes Out

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- The National Weather Service is extending an excessive heat warning for parts of Eastern Oklahoma, including Tulsa County.

The excessive heat warning has been extended through 7 p.m. Tuesday.

This comes as federal officials release a report indicating June was the warmest on record worldwide.

See a complete list of Warnings and Advisories.

EMSA paramedics responded to five heat related emergencies on Sunday.

The latest calls were from an elderly couple after their air-conditioning went out. The wife was treated on scene and transported emergency status and the husband was treated and transported to the same hospital a short time later. As of Sunday, the woman was in serious condition and the man was listed in fair condition.

The couple did not turn off the air-conditioning, as EMSA originally reported. The husband said Monday he is doing fine and that his wife is doing much better and should be home in a couple of days with a new air-conditioner in place.

Also on Sunday, a 22-year-old woman, who called 911 for her symptoms, refused transport to a hospital. Two others were transported to Tulsa hospitals in fair condition.

Three cooling stations are open for business until further notice:

The Salvation Army Center of Hope
102 N. Denver Ave.
Tulsa, OK
24/7

Tulsa County Social Services
2401 Charles Page Blvd.
Tulsa, OK
8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 East 4th Street
Tulsa, OK
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday

Watch out for symptoms of heat exhaustion:

• being dizzy, tired or weak
• fainting spells
• getting flushed
• heavy sweating
• fast heartbeat

EMSA paramedics recommend calling 911 if these systems persist for about an hour after someone moves into a cool place.

EMSA issued the following reminders:

• Wear light colored loose fitting clothing
• Drink non-alcoholic/non-caffeinated fluids
• Stay in air-conditioned areas when possible (libraries, malls, movie theaters)
• If you must be outdoors, take plenty of breaks
• Check on your elderly neighbors as you would in the winter months
• Do not leave children or pets in the car unattended, even for a minute

7/16/2010  Related Story: Heat Across Tulsa Area Taking Its Toll