Excessive Heat Warning Extended Through Tuesday

By Joshua Brakhage and NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- Heat is continuing to pound Green Country. Tulsa hit 100 degrees Saturday for the first time this year, and that isn't counting the heat index.

An excessive heat warning has been extended through 7 p.m. Tuesday for the Tulsa area.

See a complete list of Warnings and Advisories.

EMSA reports since 7 a.m. July 13th, paramedics have responded to 11 individuals with symptoms of heat-related illness.

Two people were transported on Saturday, five on Friday. EMSA says the patients ranged from a 28-year-old female to a 49-year-old male.  All were treated by EMSA and transported to Tulsa hospitals in fair condition, none were life-threatening.

Most of the patients reported little or no water intake during the day and were working outdoors.

"I had my friend call EMSA for me, because I wasn't going to make it," said Steven Bradley, a heat victim.

Battling the heat while mowing lawns, the sun finally won.

"I got to about yard number six and I got real hot and I started cramping up at first really, so I tried to take a break and drink a little water and sit in the shade, but it didn't work," Bradley said.

Dr. Gavin Gardner says by the time most people go for help, it's too late.

"Plenty of fluids and take breaks to try and get yourself out of the heat. Because once you've elevated your blood temperature or your body temperature to that level, you're already in trouble," said Doctor Gardner.

"Drink lots of Gatorade, water, you don't want to be sitting where I am," said Bradley.

The National Weather Service issued an "Excessive Heat Warning" earlier this week and it remains in effect.

EMSA says 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.

6/18/2010 Related story: Deadly Dangers Of Oklahoma's Summer Heat