Patients Collapse In High Temps, EMSA Issues Heat Alert

At 6:45 p.m. Friday, EMSA issued the first “heat alert” of the summer.

Friday, June 5th 2015, 9:07 pm

By: News 9

Patients Collapse In High Temps, EMSA Issues Heat Alert

At 6:45 p.m. Friday, EMSA issued the first “heat alert” of the summer. EMSA officials said starting at 4 p.m., six patients collapsed from the severe temperatures and high humidity in just three hours.

60-year-old male fainted outside of a business
62-year-old male fell ill waiting in a car
63-year-old male collapsed landscaping a yard
66-year-old female suffered heat exhaustion shopping outdoors
Unknown age: transient dehydrated
Two other incidents: unknown information at point of release

Four patients suffering heat illness Friday were in their early to mid-60's. EMSA paramedics transported all six patients to local emergency rooms in good condition.

EMSA said a heat alert is issued when five patients call 911 complaining of heat related illnesses. At this point, EMSA officials believe the heat is having a serious impact on public health. EMSA paramedics urged extreme caution when outdoors.

The heat alert will remain in place until the temperatures drop dramatically, officials said.

Here are tips EMSA released to keep in mind during the alert:

Avoid hot foods and heavy meals. They add heat to your body.
Drink plenty of fluids and replace electrolytes as needed. Do not take salt tablets unless under medical supervision.
Dress infants and children in cool, loose clothing and shade their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella.
Limit sun exposure during mid-day hours and in places of potential severe exposure such as beaches.
Do not leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car.
Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area.