MEMS warns Arkansans of the dangers of heat

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Health officials said the heat for the past few months has resulted in more than 100 calls to Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services. Officials say some of these heat related calls can be preventable.

Mack Hutchinson, the Clinical Manager for MEMS, says they’ve helped many people around central Arkansas because of the heat.

“Looking back to the first of May, there were about 130 responses for heat related incidents.” Hutchinson said. “We saw more in June than July this year which is a little more unusual.”

Hutchinson says the majority of those calls are either heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

“We have seen 7 heat strokes this summer already and a couple of those resulted in death,” Hutchinson said.

In early August, the United States Health and Human Services Secretary said the rise in temperatures has led to a “public health crisis.”

The CDC states every year over 1,000 people die from extreme heat.

While heat exhaustion causes people to feel dizzy and weak, Hutchinson says the callers are a variety of those living with no air or people working outside.

“Whatever physical fitness that you’re in or health you can still suffer heat exhaustion or heat stroke,” Hutchinson said.

Cyclist Jim Whitaker says his group that cycles in areas like Maumelle and Little Rock tries to stay conscious of the heat.

“When you start to feel like you’re about to fade, stop and take a break. It’s not a contest or race; we ride out there and enjoy ourselves and ride back,” Whitaker explained.

Whitaker said he’s been cycling for 70 years and knows the dangers of not taking a break in the summer.

“We ride bikes. You don’t want to kill yourself trying to take care of yourself,” Whitaker stated.

Hutchinson says it’s the little things to do in the heat that could save lives. He goes on to say when the temperature starts to creep back up everyone should be cautious.

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