As outside temperatures rise, Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services officials are reminding residents to take necessary precautions this summer to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services workers are responding to more heat-related calls this summer compared to last, with a 28 percent increase in calls and 34 percent increase in patients requiring transport by ambulance due to heat-related illnesses.
“We are asking residents and visitors to take necessary steps to protect themselves during excessive heat events,” said Craig Hare, director of Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services and Fire Administration. “Never leave children, pets and older disabled adults in a parked car. Temperatures in a car can become dangerously high in just a matter of minutes.”
Residents are urged to take the following precautionary measures to prevent heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration suggests to:
– Avoid the Heat. Stay out of the heat as much as possible. Spend time in an air-conditioned space. Only two hours a day in an air-conditioned space can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illness. Remember, electric fans do not cool, they just blow hot air around.
– Dress for the heat. Wear loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Lightweight, light-colored clothing that reflects heat and sunlight and helps maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF rating.
– Drink FOR the Heat. Drink plenty of water and natural juices, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Even under moderately strenuous outdoor activity, the rate your body can absorb fluids is less than the rate it loses water due to perspiration. However, if you have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restrictive diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
– Do not drink IN the Heat. Avoid alcoholic beverages and beverages with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and soda. . Alcohol and caffeine constrict blood vessels near the skin reducing the amount of heat the body can release. Although alcoholic beverages appear to satisfy thirst, they actually cause further body dehydration.
– Eat for the Heat. Eat small meals more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein because they increase metabolic heat. Avoid using salt tablets, unless directed to do so by a physician.
– Living in the Heat. Slow down. Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities such as running, biking and lawn care work when it heats up. The best times for such activities are during early morning and late evening hours.
– Do not leave children in a closed vehicle, even for a few minutes. This is a “No-Brainer”. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach 140°F-190°F degrees within 30 minutes on a hot, sunny day. However, despite this common sense rule, deaths from heat occur almost every summer when someone leaves their child in a closed vehicle.
– Learn the symptoms of heat disorders and know how to give first aid.
– When outdoors, protect small children from the sun.
For more heat safety tips, visit www.nws.noaa.gov/om/heat/index.shtml.
Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year and even more heat-related illnesses. It is important to know the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, fainting and vomiting. Heat stroke is considered a severe medical emergency. The symptoms of heat stroke include hot dry skin, rapid and strong pulse and possible unconsciousness. Seek emergency medical assistance immediately if suffering from heat stroke. For a list of warning signs and symptoms of heat illness, visit www.cdc.gov/extremeheat/warning.html.
Pinellas County continues to post heat safety tips on Pinellas County’s official social media accounts. For other hazard resources, visit www.pinellascounty.org/emergency/other_hazards.htm.