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FORT WORTH, Texas - First responders responding to dozens of calls for heat-related illnesses in North Texas over the Memorial Day weekend.
Even though the temperatures aren’t record-breaking, MedStar paramedics checked out six people for heat-related illnesses Monday alone. Three of those patients were taken to the hospital.
MedStar is urging people that are working out outside in the heat to prepare well in advance by drinking a lot of water.
The ambulance service has enacted its emergent care mode, which means anytime the heat index is 105 degrees or greater paramedics will respond to any outdoor emergency with lights and sirens for quicker response.
“If you do start feeling ill at all, start getting a headache, start getting nauseous, if you start having hallucinations, if you stop sweating, even cramps, anything like that, make sure you get out of the heat as soon as possible and drink plenty of fluids,” said Brian White with MedStar.
White said this Memorial Day weekend has been like a perfect storm. It was the first heat wave of the year to hit North Texas at a time when most people were not expecting it and a lot of people were outdoors.
On hot days like these, it’s also good to check on elderly neighbors, especially if they don’t have air conditioning, he said.
Also, make sure outdoor pets have water and shade.