COUNTY OF TARRANT (CBSDFW.COM) – Hot temperatures combined with humidity are keeping MedStar teams busy in Tarrant County.
Historically, this is one of their busiest times of the year because people are unprepared for the heat. Last Sunday, teams treated 10 patients for heat-related illnesses. Five of those incidents happened at MayFest. On May 10, there were three calls.
“It takes a bit of adjustment both physically and quite frankly psychologically to prepare for this kind of heat,” said Matt Zavadsky of MedStar.
He said if you must go out, stay hydrated and wear light, loose clothing. It is also important to recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses.
“If they can take their own pulse, that’s important because if they’re just sweating and they’re not necessarily doing cardio work but your pulse is going up, that’s a clue that your body is getting dehydrated. Baylor Scott & White All Saints Fort Worth Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jay Herd said.
For heat-related illnesses, generally:
* First, you will have heat cramps.
* Then, if left untreated, your body will go into heat exhaustion. Signs include feeling weak and dizzy.
* If you have heat stroke, you have lost your ability to sweat and regulate your body temperature and need to go to the emergency room.
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