Hot weather causes a surge in emergency medical calls related to high temperatures

The MedStar Emergency Medical Services Center in Tarrant County reported a surge in calls from people trapped in the heat in the past two days.
Matt Zavadsky, MedStar’s chief transformation officer, said that after the relatively mild summer, people may be caught off guard by the effects of the high temperature.
MedStar reported 14 such calls over the weekend, instead of the typical 3 high-temperature-related calls per day. Ten of the 14 people need to be hospitalized, and 4 of them are in critical condition.
“We want people to call us because we are here to ensure people’s safety. If people start to have high-temperature-related emergencies, this could quickly develop into life-threatening situations. We already have many of these this weekend. Yes,” Zavacki said.
MedStar launched an extreme weather agreement on Monday, which happens when the high temperature index rises above 105 degrees. The agreement limits the exposure of patients and emergency personnel to extreme heat.
The ambulance is equipped with extra supplies to cool the patient-three air-conditioning units keep the vehicle cool, and plenty of water keeps the paramedics healthy.
“We always tell people not to go out if it’s not necessary. Well, first responders don’t have this option,” Zawadski said.
The high temperature of 100 degrees this summer was accompanied by poor air quality. A hazy environment can irritate people with respiratory problems.
Zavadsky said: “The air quality problem is a combination of ozone problems, heat, and lack of wind, so it won’t blow off part of the ozone and all the wildfires that are happening in the west.” “Now we have some people suffering from heat-related diseases. And/or underlying diseases, which are exacerbated by hot weather.”
The health departments of Dallas and Tarrant counties oversee projects to help people who face high electricity bills due to extra air-conditioning in hot weather.
At Trinity Park in Fort Worth on Monday, a family was still playing basketball in warm weather, but it was in the shade of the trees under the bridge. They bring a lot of liquid to keep moisture.
“I think it’s okay as long as you are in the shade and properly hydrated,” said Francesca Arriaga, who took her niece and nephew to the park.
Her boyfriend John Hardwick does not have to be told that it is wise to drink a lot of liquids in hot weather.
“It’s really important to add something like Gatorade to your system, because electrolytes are important, just to help sweat,” he said.
MedStar’s advice also requires wearing light, loose-fitting clothing, restricting activities and checking relatives, especially elderly residents who may be more susceptible to heat.
Drink plenty of water, stay in an air-conditioned room, away from the sun, and check relatives and neighbors to make sure they stay cool.
Under no circumstances should young children and pets be left unattended in the car. According to the National Safety Commission, if the internal temperature of the car exceeds 95 degrees, the internal temperature of the car may rise to 129 degrees within 30 minutes. After only 10 minutes, the temperature inside can reach 114 degrees.
Children’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than adults. When a person’s core body temperature reaches 104 degrees, heat stroke begins. According to the Texas Department of Health Services, a core temperature of 107 degrees is fatal.
If you work outdoors or kill time, take extra precautions. If possible, reschedule strenuous activities in the early morning or evening. Understand the signs and symptoms of heatstroke and heatstroke. Wear light and loose clothing as much as possible. In order to reduce the risk of outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends to arrange frequent rest periods in a cool or air-conditioned environment. Anyone affected by heat should move to a cool place. Heat stroke is an emergency! Dial 911. The CDC has more information about heat-related diseases.
Care for pets by providing them with fresh, cool water and plenty of shade. In addition, pets should not be left unattended for long periods of time. It’s too hot, they need to be brought in.


Post time: Aug-24-2021