Ouachita Parish’s Acadian Ambulance speaks on signs of dehydration and heatstroke

OUACHITA PARISH (KTVE/KARD) – With summer officially beginning, knowing the signs and symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke is important when spending time outdoors.

According to the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), in 2023, 25 heat-related deaths were recorded over the course of the three summer months. LDH reported that 22 of the deaths were men. The LDH website also highlighted that men are more prone to heat-related illnesses due to males being more likely to work outside. KTVE/KARD spoke to BondCo LLC employees about the struggle of working in the heat.

What we do putting up metal buildings, everything around you is hot. Sometimes you don’t get no wind, sometimes you don’t get no shade, and everything you touch is hot. Working on roofs, you can hit triple digits very easily and we talking about one thirty five to one sixty easy.

John Cole, Supervisor | BondCo LLC

Cole also stated that his crew uses a buddy system to ensure all employees are safe. He also mentioned that employees working in the heat are advised to take a 15-minute break after each hour of work and to drink at least one bottle of water every hour.

When spending time outdoors, staying hydrated is key to staying safe. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, dehydration allows heat to build up in the body, which can lead to heatstroke. KTVE/KARD spoke to employees at Ouachita Parish’s Acadian Ambulance, who broke down the signs and symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke.

Some of the signs and symptoms of dehydration would be excessive thirst, excessive sweating, nausea , vomiting, feeling of fatigue. One of the main changes in heatstroke would be a change in your mental status. Any type of increase in confusion, where the sweating where you were sweating and now you have stop sweating. Those are some of the main indicators of heat stroke.

Clay Smith, Paramedic, Ouachita Parish’s Acadian Ambulance

In an effort to prevent cases of heat-related illnesses, Smith also provided tips to KTVE/KARD on how to stay safe in extreme temperatures.

Where you’re working outside, try to be in the cooler part of the day. Make sure that you’re taking frequent breaks out of the heat, out of the sun, and drinking plenty of water. Make sure that it is water.

Clay Smith, Paramedic, Ouachita Parish’s Acadian Ambulance

Smith warned that if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of heatstroke, water should not be consumed to prevent a possible choking hazard. Anyone experiencing signs and symptoms of dehydration or heatstroke should remove themselves from the heat, remove any heavy clothing, and dial 911.