First responders educate locals and tourists about deadly heat-related illnesses

BAY COUNTY, Fla. ( WMBB ) – The humidity and heat are real across Bay County.

With temperatures hitting the 90s, emergency responders are asking for locals and tourists alike to be mindful of the weather.

It’s the middle of July, the peak of summer, and the heat is relentless.

Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and even heat cramps are a possibility and could even be deadly.

Bay County EMS Battalion Chief, Gina Salaty says the early signs to look out for include excessive sweating, uncontrollable thirst, headaches that could lead to altered mental status, dark urine, and even no longer being able to sweat.

“Get you out of the heat. First of all, try and pull you down with a cool rag. Get into some AC. If you’re able to tolerate it, drink water, sports drinks, Gatorade, Powerade, liquid I.V., something with electrolytes in it,” Salaty said.

Uncontrollable nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are also symptoms that are common with heat-related illnesses.

Salaty says there has been a high increase in heat-related calls in the last month. She says this time of year, the volume of these calls are not uncommon, she suggests avoiding alcohol and caffeinated drinks if possible during this weather.

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