EMSA Staying Busy Responding To Heat Related Calls In OKC

Jennifer Pierce, News 9 and News9.com

UPDATE: OKLAHOMA CITY -- The heat has EMSA crews staying busy across the metro. Up until 9:20 p.m. Tuesday night, they have received 23 heat related calls.

The all time record of heat related calls in Oklahoma was 30, during the boat races nine years ago. However, the record is expected to be broken after tonight.

That's slightly down from Monday when they were called 15 times, which was the most this summer. The calls vary. Some are people who work outside, others are calls that can be prevented, though, people out jogging, walking or working in their yards.

Paramedics say if you have to get out, do it early in the day, or after you've taken necessary precautions.

"If you know when you get home you are going to do something, now is the time to start drinking," said Colin Roy, EMSA Paramedic Supervisor. "Pre-hydrate yourself, so when you do get out in the heat, you are better prepared."

The medical examiner's office said 12 deaths are now attributed to the heat, and 10 others are still pending.

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