EMSA Declares Heat Alert In Oklahoma City

After record-setting heat has returned to the Sooner State, EMSA has issued another "Heat Alert."

Monday, August 8th 2011, 5:08 pm

By: News 9


Deanne Stein, News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- After record-setting heat has returned to the Sooner State, EMSA has issued another "Heat Alert."

On Wednesday, EMSA paramedics responded to five heat-related illnesses, thus prompting the issuance of the heat alert.

EMSA RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Pre-hydrate before you start your day

• Consume plenty of water and or Gatorade (Most of the patients EMSA medics have treated and transported, reported little or no water intake during the day)

• Wear light colored/loose fitting clothing

• Take frequent breaks in the shade

• Cut out beverages containing caffeine, carbonation and alcohol.

KIDS IN CARS
There is no "safe" amount of time kids can be left in a hot car.
How quickly a child becomes ill varies widely based on a number of conditions, including:

• The child's hydration level to begin with the temperature in the car (which can vary based on car interior, temperature outdoors, whether there is shade, etc.)

• The child's weight

• The child's overall health (diabetes and other chronic medical conditions can make a child less able to tolerate the heat), and any medications the child may be taken.

• Pets are also susceptible to the same dangers as people when left in cars during the summer months.

ELDERLY PEOPLE
People aged 65 years and older are more prone to heat stress than younger people for several reasons:

• Many elderly people do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature.

• They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat.

• They are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body's ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration.

Related Story: Check Up On Seniors With Dementia During Extreme Heat

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