EMSA Issues Heat Alert For Saturday

TULSA, Okla. (AP) - The Emergency Medical Services Authority has issued a heat alert after responding to five heat-related illness calls friday

Alerts like the one for today are activated when ambulance crews receive five or more such calls in a 24-hour period and dangerously hot weather is expected to continue. EMSA says the alerts are issued to advise the public of the severity of the situation.

Symptoms of heat-related illness include muscle cramps, heavy perspiration, headache, nausea or vomiting, faintness and fatigue.

EMSA spokeswoman Tina Wells says anyone with such symptoms should move inside to a cool place and sip water. Wells says if symptoms don't improve rapidly, a doctor or 911 should be called.

Officials say EMSA provided care to five patients suffering from symptoms of heat-related illness. The patients ranged in age from 29 to 86, and all had been involved in leisurely outdoor activities.

4 of the five patients required treatment at hospitals, but all were in fair condition.