EMSA issues 4th heat alert as heat continues

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - EMSA has issued its fourth Medical Heat Alert of 2024 for the Oklahoma City service area on Saturday.

According to EMSA, medics responded to eleven (11) heat-related illness calls and transported five (5) patients to hospitals in the Oklahoma City area. This month, EMSA medics have responded to 60 heat-related illness calls in the OKC area and transported 35 patients to local hospitals.

EMSA officials confirm, EMSA medics have responded to 301 heat-related illness calls and transported 188 patients to local hospitals. EMSA recommends people take heat precautions, listed below, when spending time outside in the coming days.

HEAT SAFETY TIPS:
 
·           PRE-HYDRATION is key in preventing heat-related illness. Drink plenty of water or electrolyte replacement drinks several hours prior to and during long exposure to the summer heat.
·           Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a wide brimmed hat if working outdoors and take plenty of shade breaks.
·           No alcohol or caffeine. 
·           If you do not have air conditioning, find a cooling station or public space (such as libraries or malls) during the day.
·           Don’t limit your use of air conditioning. 
·           Use the buddy system if working outdoors and check on elderly neighbors.
·           Keep a cell phone on you at all times when outdoors, including walking, running daily errands, yard work or sports and physical activity.
  
EMSA says, a Medical Heat Alert when paramedics respond to five or more heat-related illness calls in a 24-hour period. EMSA’s Heat Alert will remain in effect until temperatures and/or heat-related call volume decrease significantly.