EMS Issues HEAT ALERT… Know The Signs…
ROBERTSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – Robertson County EMS has prepared to respond to an anticipated surge in 911 calls for heat-related medical emergencies. EMS urges everyone to limit outdoor activity, hydrate constantly, and seek out air-conditioned environments to avoid medical emergencies. For those who must work outdoors, try to give yourself as much shade as you can, take extra breaks from the heat when possible, and know essential information to keep yourself safe. Anyone who takes medications for underlying medical conditions should be even more careful, as these individuals may be even more susceptible to a heat-related emergency. Please keep an extra watch on the elderly, individuals with chronic illnesses, young children, and pets. Never leave children or pets inside a closed, parked vehicle. If your home lacks air conditioning, take advantage of public spaces like shopping malls, libraries, or designated local cooling shelters. Heat illnesses range from mild dehydration to life-threatening heat stroke. Know the signs and symptoms:
Heat Exhaustion (Move to a cool place, sip fluids):
- heavy sweating
- weakness
- dizziness
- cool, pale, or clammy skin
- nausea
- vomiting
- headache
Heat Stroke (Call 911 immediately!):
- body temperature exceeding 103°F
- hot, red, and dry skin (the person is no longer sweating)
- rapid/strong pulse
- confusion
- unconsciousness
If you suspect someone is suffering from a heat emergency, take the following steps to cool them down:
Cooling: Move the person to an air-conditioned or shaded area immediately. Loosen tight clothing, apply cool, wet cloths to the skin, and use ice packs on the neck, armpits, and groin.
Hydration: If the person is conscious and able to swallow, have them slowly sip cool water or an electrolyte-rich sports drink. Do not give them alcohol or caffeine.
Essential Prevention Tips:
- Avoid Peak Sun
- Limit your time outside, especially between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing
- Use a proper sunscreen when working or playing outdoors to avoid sunburn.
- Allow outdoor faucets with hoses to run water for a few seconds to let any hot water escape before spraying on anyone, washing hands, etc.
- Falls on pavement can not only cause injuries from the impact, but in extreme heat, it can also cause associated burns. We see this in bicycle accidents, falls in the driveway, etc.
- Avoid letting children who aren’t wearing shoes or pets walk onto hot pavement that has been in the direct sun, this too can cause burns we don’t normally think about.
Robertson County EMS and EMA have all support vehicles stocked and loaded with coolers of ice, waters, and electrolyte replacement beverages to use on fire scenes or extrications, where our fire department partners and others working scenes in firefighting gear among hot conditions already would be at an even higher risk of illness from the heat. The extra ice on hand can also be used to help cool patients as needed who will need rapid “active” cooling therapies in transport for actual heat stroke symptoms. The biggest takeaway from our message as the community’s emergency medical professionals is to call 911 and request EMS immediately for anyone experiencing the signs and symptoms of an actual heat stroke as listed above. Those findings should never be ignored or left to see if someone gets better after waiting a while. Many will experience mild, even moderate heat exhaustion, which can often be managed with simple first aid and common-sense actions. But when things have progressed to the point of severe heat exhaustion / heat stroke, seeking medical attention without delay is very important.
