EMSA Issues Heat Alert For Tulsa Area

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- The heat is taking a toll on more Tulsans.

EMSA says it treated five patients Saturday for heat related illness. Patients treated ranged from 16 to 80-years-old. Two patients had been participating in the East Central track meet.

Three patients treated by EMSA for suspected heat-related illness were engaging in simple, leisurely activities outdoors when they fell ill.

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 present danger.

Northeast Oklahomans may get a break as the work week unfolds, however, as a cool front moves into the area late Sunday.

2/27/2010 Related Story: Rain Hits Northeastern Oklahoma As Cool Front Approaches 

People who regularly work in a controlled office environment should be particularly cautious over the weekend. Each year, EMSA responds to a number of people sickened while catching up on household chores, like lawn work.

Individuals working outdoors or in hot environments should take very frequent breaks, drink water regularly (before, during and after work, and as much needed so that thirst is not felt), wear appropriate clothing and avoid alcohol and caffeine.

Read the complete weather discussion.

To avoid heat related illnesses on EMSA Heat Alert days, paramedics urge individuals 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, and
• Visiting a library, indoor shopping mall, community center or church if there is no air conditioning in the home.

The two cooling stations open to the public include:

• Tulsa County Social Services

2401 Charles Page Boulevard, Tulsa, OK

Operational Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. 7 days a week

• Salvation Army Center of Hope

102 N. Denver Avenue, Tulsa, OK

Operational Hours: open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

6/24/2010  Related Story: Tulsa Cooling Stations Open During Thursday Heat Advisory

6/25/2010  Related Story: Summer Heat Has Some Wishing For Winter Blast