REMSA URGES SAFETY DURING RECORD BREAKING HEAT WAVE

July 10, 2002 - Reno is experiencing one of the hottest summers to date and REMSA is advising the community to take extra precautions during this record breaking heal: wave. Hear stroke or heat exhaustion is caused by prolonged exposure to hot temperatures, limited fluid intake or failure of temperature regulations in the brain. Elderly individuals, children and animals especially take a beating when the temperatures rise. By following some safety rips, people can help each other avoid heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

“REMSA has seen a rise in heat related calls, especially with the triple digit figures in the Truckee Meadows,” said Ginger Oliveira, Public Relations Coordinator for REMSA. “It is important to avoid strenuous activities and stay indoors in a cool place during the hot hours of the day to avoid heat exhaustion.”

Heat Exhaustion:

• Dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headache
• Skin is pale and clammy
• Pulse becomes rapid and weak
• Breathing is fast and shallow
• Muscle cramps
• Intense thirst

Causes:

Heat exhaustion is caused by insufficient water intake, insufficient salt intake and deficiency in the production of sweat. (Sweat evaporation is what helps to cool the body.)

Heat Stroke:

• Often preceded by heat exhaustion and its symptoms
• Skin is hot, city and flushed
• No sweating
• High body temperature
• Rapid heartbeat
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness

Causes:

Heat stroke is caused by overexposure to extreme heat and a breakdown in the body’s heat-regulating mechanisms. The body becomes overheated to a dangerous degree. (Body temperature could reach 107° F)

Heat Stroke:

• Often preceded by heat exhaustion and its symptom
• Skin is hot, city and flushed
• No sweating
• High body temperature
• Rapid heartbeat
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness

Causes:

Heat stroke is caused by overexposure to extreme heat and a breakdown in the body’s heat-regulating mechanisms. The body becomes overheated to a dangerous degree. (Body temperature could reach 107° F)

Risk Increases With:

• General effects of aging
• Alcohol or other drug abuse
• Chronic illness, such as diabetes and heart condition
• Recent illness involving fluid loss from vomiting or diarrhea
• Hot, humid, weather
• Working in a hot environment
• Loss of body fluids from sweating and failure to drink enough replacement fluids
• Heavy, restrictive clothing
• Severe fever

Prevention Tips:

• Wear light, loose fitting clothing in hot weather
• Drink water often, don’t wait until thirsty
• Drink water if you sweat heavily. If urine output decreases, ~increase your water intake.
• If you become overheated, improve your ventilation. Open a window or use a fan or air conditioner. This promotes sweat evaporation, which cools the skin.
• Acclimate yourself to hot weather.

REMSA is a private, non-profit organization providing the region with advanced life support paramedic ambulance services, the Care Flight emergency medical helicopter program and accredited emergency medical dispatch services. REMSA and Care Flight provide guaranteed response times and high quality patient care with no taxpayer support or other subsidies.

450 Edison Way Reno, Nevada 89502 (775)858-5700 Fax (775)858-5720