EMSA Issues 2nd Heat Alert of the Summer

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- With temperatures climbing into the 90s, EMSA warned Oklahomans to stay safe during these extreme temperatures and issued the second heat alert of the summer Wednesday.

EMSA crews responded to five heat-related calls Wednesday. More than 1,500 people on average in the U.S. die each year from excessive heat. Paramedics said it is extremely important to drink plenty of water and avoid going out in the blazing heat, if possible.

EMSA officials said the alert will remain in place until the temperatures drop significantly.

EMSA paramedics said they have rescued four children locked inside cars in the past ten days.

"They want to go outside and play in and sit behind the steering wheel play with the knobs and so on they can lock themselves in the vehicle and you may not know it," said Mike Roy, EMSA Field Operations supervisor.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• being dizzy, tired or weak

• fainting spells

• getting flushed

• heavy sweating

• fast heartbeat

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