EMSA Officials Urging Extreme Caution In Dangerous Heat

EMSA is on alert as the dangerous heat puts our lives at-risk.

EMSA said its staff responded to 29 heat-related calls as temperatures increased.

“When we run a number of certain heat-related calls, we know that we're kind of on a trend where we know we're going to start seeing more of them. So, we issue a heat alert to the general public,” Donald Wood, EMSA District Chief said.

Wood said they receive more calls from people suffering from heat exhaustion or a heat stroke as the weather warms up.

“That can happen in many ways from just mowing the yard, just sitting in a vehicle for too long that's not running,” Wood said.

He said it's more common to get calls about people suffering from heat exhaustion rather than a heat stroke.

“The biggest difference that we're going to see is with heat exhaustion. You're going to have cramps, you're going to have muscle weakness and you're going to sweat,” Woods said. “When you get up into heat stroke your body temperature is rising and your body loses its ability to cool itself anymore with sweat and can lead to death.”

EMSA said its goal is to keep folks from ending up in the back of one of their ambulances.

“If you know it's going to be a really hot day with a lot of sun, just be careful and prepare for that,” Woods said, “Take frequent breaks, especially if you're working outside, wear loose fitting light colored clothing and make sure you're kind of watching yourself.”

EMSA also recommends staying hydrated by drinking lots of water.