TYLER, Texas — As dangerous heat hovers over East Texas now through Wednesday evening, EMT officials are experiencing a high traffic of phone calls and since March, UT Health of East Texas is said to have received more than 160 heat-related calls.
Each summer paramedics see an influx of phone calls due to heat related illnesses.
Most of these calls are related to overheating due to working outside or in the yard and people failing to stay hydrated.
It’s not just people getting overheated, it’s the symptoms people feel after being exposed to dangerous heat.
“They’re having chest pain, fainting and other things that can happen when the heat turns up," paramedic and education coordinator Vicky LaMay said.
UT Health of East Texas said they’ve received over 40 calls in the month of July dealing with heat related issues. With Tuesday being a weather impact alert day, CBS19 discussed with health coordinators about what someone might expect if they are suffering from a heat related illnesses and how to prevent them.
According to LaMay, some of the signs from heat exhaustion may be: dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating and nausea. Symptoms related to heat stroke: are confusion and unconsciousness.
Some precautions to take to avoid these symptoms is to get in a cool air conditioned place, drink water, and get a cool shower.
”If you're gonna work outside, do it early in the morning or later in the day, wear a hat, wet towel to wear around your neck, and rewet every so often, drink sips of water while working the whole time," LaMay said.
LaMay also said some patients are more susceptible to heat related illnesses, like children, elderly adults and those who have underlying health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, allergies and take certain medications.
Consuming drugs or alcohol can also increase the likelihood of experiencing a heat related illness.
“That can constrict our blood vessel, keep our blood to our core and the heat that builds up in our bodies doesn't have a way out." LaMay said.
LaMay said if someone else should experience any of these conditions, make sure to help.
“Help each other out, if you have a buddy that's great if not make sure you keep a close eye on your body temp, drinks lots of water, watch out for small children and elderly, and if you know someone that has health issues and takes specific medications, make sure you keep an eye out on them and each other," LaMay said.