Local Heath Officials Urge More Care During Hot Weather

Kris Magnussen said she knew it would be hot at OpSail 2012, and people would need water.

The public health nurse for Ledge Light Health District said the district’s Medical Reserve Corps and American Red Cross set up 6 water stations and staffed them two days with 120 volunteers.

It was still barely enough. Volunteers passed out 52,000 cups of water.

“We couldn’t keep up with the demand,” she said. “And people were physically getting heat exhaustion, so they were getting water and they were being taken to the First Aid tent and some had to be taken to the hospital.”

It'll be hot and humid again this weekend, and local health officials said it's important to use care when the air quality is poor.

Gatorade, Not Iced Coffee

Magnussen said she noticed at OpSail that people were dressed appropriately for the weather,  but many weren't drinking the right things. Instead of water, they were carrying iced coffees, lattes and iced teas.

“They’re drinking fluids that are natural diuretics,” she said. “And beer, when it’s hot. When it’s hot, what do people do? They grab a beer. It tastes good.”

Magnussen said she’s just as guilty as the next person of walking around with an iced coffee, but when it’s particularly hot, that doesn’t keep you hydrated. It's best to drink water or a fluid replacement like Gatorade, she said.

Patients In 30s, 40s With Heat Injury

During the first nine days in July, The William W. Backus Hospital saw eight people in the emergency room for heat-related injuries, said Gillian Mosier, the hospital’s trauma program manager.

Most were in their 30s and 40s, she said. Only one was over 65.

“It was more the younger population saying, ‘Oh, I can handle it, I can handle it,’” she said. Some had been working outside in their yards, she said.

Patients arrived with symptoms like nausea, dizziness and headaches, the first signs of heat illness. All were treated and released.

Mosier said people who suffer heat illness once are more susceptible to it in the future, because it weakens the body.

The Red Cross lists signs of heat-related illness as including nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, headaches and heavy sweating. People with those symptoms should be brought to a cool place, given water to drink and have ice or cool cloths applied to their skin.

If someone refuses to drink or vomits, call 911.

The Red Cross issued a press release with these tips for staying safe:

• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
• Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
• Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m.
• Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool, they simply circulate the air.
• Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.
• Learn Red Cross first aid and CPR. While the above tips can help prevent emergencies, it is crucial to know what to do if an emergency situation arises.