After 99 heat-related calls, EMSA reports long heat alert expired

Last Updated on August 8, 2023, 8:01 AM | Published: August 6, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY — EMSA’s extraordinarily long three-week Medical Heat Alert expired Sunday.

EMSA reported Sunday that they had responded to 99 heat-related illness calls and transported a total of 68 patients to local hospitals over the period from July 13 through Friday, August 4th.

Even during a Summer with heat dangers to residents of the OKC metro during 100+ degree days, this one was unusual in that it represents multiple heat-related calls each day since July 13 that kept it in place for this long.

The Medical Heat Alert expired when EMSA had zero heat-related illness calls on Saturday, August 5th.

EMSA issues a Medical Heat Alert when paramedics respond to five or more heat-related illness calls in a 24-hour period.

Heat safety tips

These are tips that EMSA issues to help persons stay safe during days of high heat:

• PRE-HYDRATION is key in preventing heat-related illness. Drink plenty of water or electrolyte replacement drinks several hours prior to and during long exposure to the summer heat.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat if working outdoors
• Take plenty of shade breaks.
• No alcohol or caffeine.
• If you do not have air conditioning, find a cooling station or public space (such as libraries or malls) during the day.
• Don’t limit your use of air conditioning.
• Use the buddy system if working outdoors and check on elderly neighbors.
• Keep a cell phone on you at all times when outdoors, including walking, running daily errands, yard work, sports, and physical activity.

EMSA will continue to issue heat alerts based on the previous day’s activity. Watch this space for future coverage.

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