FORT WORTH (WBAP/KLIF News) – Medstar treated 15 people for heat-related illnesses Sunday afternoon. 11 were hospitalized and one person is in critical condition.
With near 100-degree temperatures expected for the next eight days, the agency is warning North Texans about the dangers of excessive heat exposure on the body.
“The least severe is heat cramps. This is where your muscles cramp up and that can be treated with hydration and maybe some electrolyte drinks,” said Medstar spokesman Matt Zavadsky.
The next phase is heat exhaustion.
“This is where people start to perspire very heavily. They may have cold clammy skin. They’re conscious but they might be in a little bit of an altered mental state,” said Zavadsky.
The third and most severe reaction is heat stroke which causes a person to lose the ability to regulate their own temperature and may become unresponsive.
Zavadsky said during the Summer months, adults and kids will naturally spend a lot of time outside.
“North Texans are pretty hardy group when it comes to the heat because of our typical environment. It’s hard to say don’t go out … people are going to want to be out with their families because of all the Memorial Day activities. Just do things in moderation and be aware of yourself and the people that are around. Keep aware that they may be suffering from some heat-related illnesses,” he said.
So, he advises anyone who is outdoors to stay hydrated with water and pay attention to their health while in the heat.
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