Hillsborough hospital reports spike in heat-related illness before Fourth of July

A Hillsborough County hospital is seeing an uptick in emergency room patients suffering from heat-related illnesses and is urging residents to take precautions during the Fourth of July weekend.

Early last month, HCA Florida Brandon Hospital’s emergency room saw up to three patients each day with ailments like heat exhaustion, said Laura Stauter, communications and community engagement director.

Last week, those numbers surged to as many as 12 patients per day, and they have yet to drop in the lead-up to July Fourth, sparking concerns as people across Tampa Bay prepare for barbecues and beach time to celebrate the holiday.

“It’s hit very suddenly,” Stauter said.

Some patients were admitted to the hospital, she said. One suffered heat stroke with a temperature of about 108 degrees and was taken to the intensive care unit, said Nicholas Chajec, an emergency resident physician at the hospital.

Those coming in sick have mostly been ages 40 to 60, but pediatric and elderly individuals have also been affected, he said.

Chajec expects “a little bit more of an influx” due to the holiday, and the emergency room is boosting its supply of cooling measures for patients.

July Fourth will be hot with high temperatures around 95 degrees in Tampa and 94 degrees in St. Petersburg, according to the National Weather Service. Heat index values are expected to reach up to 110.

High temperatures will hover in the low to mid 90s the rest of the weekend.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include a fast heart rate, headache, weakness, fatigue and nausea or vomiting, Chajec said. If you experience these and are outdoors, take a break, get out of the sun and stay hydrated, he said.

Severe cases can progress to heat stroke with symptoms such as confusion or loss of consciousness. Call 911 if this occurs.

Chajec urged people to limit their time outside in the heat and to keep drinking electrolyte-balanced fluids.

About 1,220 people in the U.S. are killed by extreme heat each year, even though such deaths are preventable, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Older adults, young children and those with mental illness and chronic disease are at highest risk of getting sick.

The agency offers these tips for remaining safe in extreme heat:

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and apply sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes before going out. Reapply the sunscreen per the product’s instructions.
• Drink plenty of fluids, including before you get thirsty. Avoid very sugary or alcoholic drinks.
• Cut down on exercise in the heat. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
• Try to limit outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas.
• Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible.
• Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.
• Check on people who are at high risk.