EMSA Issues First Tulsa Heat Alert

Newson6.com

TULSA, OK -- There is a warning about the hot weather on Thursday.  An EMSA Heat Alert has been issued.  The alert comes after six Tulsa-area residents required treatment on Wednesday for suspected heat-related illnesses.

Read "Extreme Heat And You."

All six patients treated by EMSA on Wednesday were men; four of the six were working outdoors or in un-air conditioned indoor spaces when they became ill. One man, who was found outdoors, had reportedly ingested very large quantities of alcohol.

06/16/2009 Related Story: EMSA Outlines Tulsa Heat Emergency Plan

People are encouraged to take precautions on EMSA Heat Alert days.  Those include the following.

• Reduce outdoor activity, particularly during the late morning and afternoon hours.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption, and up your water intake.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Spend as much time as possible in an air-conditioned environment; visit a library, indoor shopping mall, community center or other such venue if you don't have air-conditioning at home.
• Play close attention to those at increased risk for heat-related illness, including young children (under age 4), senior citizens, people with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure, and outdoor laborers.
• Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.

On Thursday, EMSA transported one person to the hospital for a possible heat-related illness.

Last year, EMSA provided care to more than 100 individuals in the Tulsa area suffering from heat-related illness. Overexposure to heat was a factor in at least two Tulsa- area deaths. 

Tips For Avoiding Heat-Related Illiness