Surge of heat-related emergencies prompts 4th OKC Heat Alert

Last Updated on August 22, 2023, 12:35 PM | Published: August 21, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY — Due to a recent surge in heat-related emergency calls to EMSA, the agency continues its 4th heat alert for 2023.

Sunday, EMSA issued the heat alert when medics responded to seven suspected heat-related illness calls in the OKC service area Saturday.

Two of those calls resulted in patients being transported to local hospitals due to their symptoms.

Then, Sunday, EMSA medics responded to ten heat-related illness calls and transported eight patients to local hospitals.

UPDATE: Monday, EMSA medics again responded to ten heat-related illness calls and transported eight patients to hospitals in the OKC area. 

Heat safety tips from EMSA

Here are EMSA’s tips on how to avoid heat-related illness:

• 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, and 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 or sports and physical activity.

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

EMSA’s Heat Alert will remain in effect until the temperatures and/or heat-related call volume decrease significantly.

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