Triple-digit heat was recorded multiple days in a row, and it looks like it is just the beginning. University Medical Services EMS wants to make sure citizens beat the heat.
“It does increase our call load with heat-related emergencies. We’ve had six major heat-related incidents over the last week,” said Chad Curry of EMS.
To avoid any need for care, EMS recommended hydrating with “water, Gatorade or sports drinks,” and avoiding alcohol and sodas. He also recommended transitioning indoors and outdoors frequently to stay cool.
“When you are outside for an hour or so, go back in and cool off,” he said.
When out in the heat too long without hydrating or getting shade, Curry said heat exhaustion or even heat stroke are likely possibilities.
“You’re still profusely sweating at that point,” he said. “Your body is still trying to cool itself as best it can. You may get leg cramps, you may get nausea with it. You may start to get problems with your levels of consciousness.”
If those symptoms don’t dissipate in an hour, Curry recommended seeking medical attention.
A symptom of heat stroke includes not sweating anymore or the skin becomes damp without cooling off the body, he said.
The individuals most at risk included elderly individuals and children, according to Curry. While he said parents should monitor kids to ensure they are staying hydrated and transitioning from heat to cool, another organization checked in on the elderly.
“A lot of times around the summer, we go to see if the clients are too hot, too cold, see where their air conditionings are. So we take the time to check in on them and see if they need any help,” said Brittainy Klemme, program coordinator of Lubbock Meals on Wheels.
If volunteers of Meals on Wheels were concerned about someone’s condition, they said they would find them air conditioning, refer them to special programs they work with, or call EMS if it was serious.
“We typically refer people to SPAG, which is South Plains Association through Government. They provide a lot of utility assistance for us,” said Klemme.
The summer heat does not seem to be going anywhere, so be extra vigilant. Curry said this heat is dangerous if people do not take proper care of themselves.
