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August 7, 2008

Cooling off

High temperatures lead to heat-related concerns

Derrick Miller

DUNCAN — With temperatures creeping into the triple digits, being aware of the heat has never been more important.

Although only a few heat-related incidents have been reported, people have options to avoid medical emergencies such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

Duncan Fire Chief Larry Sullins said, “If you are working in the heat, it is very important to pay close attention to how much you sweat or lack of sweating. Paleness of skin, muscles tend to cramp, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, possible headaches, nausea, possibly fainting are signs of heat exhaustion.

“The skin may be cool and moist to the touch. A victim’s pulse rate will increase but feel weak. Breathing can be fast and shallow.”

When sweating stops and body temperature rises to 105 degrees, heat stroke could be present.

Sullins said knowing what to look for is one way to stop the situation before it turns into a more serious problem.

“These conditions should be tended to quickly,” he said. “If they are not, they could lead to heat stroke, which can be a severe medical emergency.”

Velma Emergency Management Services Director Misty Lewis said her crew has faced numerous cases of heat-related illness this summer. Her team dealt with about 15 individuals at the Velma Old Settlers Picnic.

The Velma EMS has two ambulances, the second of which was added recently.

“We kept both of them going,” she said. “I couldn’t imagine doing it without two ambulances.”

In previous years, Velma EMS got backup from the American Medical Response service. But with two units, the Velma crew could rotate its ambulances.

Despite the high temperatures, AMR hasn’t responded to many heat-related situations this summer.

Karen Coleman, AMR paramedic, said people who are older, younger or have chronic health problems should avoid spending much time in the heat.

“Anyone who’s ever had heat exhaustion is more prone to get it again,” Coleman said.

When AMR responds to a heat call, it works to slowly cool off the patient, put cold packs on various part of the body, insert an IV, check blood sugar and hydrate.

“The sooner they get hydrated, the better off they are,” she said.

Knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion might give people the heads-up to take action, but other ways to prevent heat stroke or exhaustion do exist.

Sullins said the best way to avoid heat exhaustion is to make friends with water.

“In weather as hot and dry as this weather, a good preventive measure is to stay well hydrated,” Sullins said. Other options are to quickly get into cool areas, rest, wear lightweight clothing when working outdoors and drink cool fluids, he said.

Lewis said her team is focusing on prevention. The Velma EMS has been running on grass fires for both the Velma and Loco fire departments to make sure firefighters don’t get overheated. Usually, the EMS joins the VFD only on structure fires.

While the ambulance service has been providing water and cold compresses for the firefighters, Lewis said keeping cool is the only sure way to avoid heat-related issues. People unable to keep cool need to stay hydrated, she said.

“You need more than water,” she said. “You also need electrolytes.”

Both Lewis and Coleman said an important way for someone to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke is being familiar with his or her body. People should pay attention to changes in the body.

Coleman said people should start outdoor work in the morning, when it’s cooler.

She said people should also avoid alcohol consumption because it can make the body more susceptible to heat-related illness.

“The very main thing is hydration,” she said. “Fluids, fluids and more fluids.”

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