EMSA Issues Heat Alert For OKC Metro

A heat alert has been issued for central Oklahoma by Emergency Medical Services Authority.

As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, five people were treated for symptoms of heat related illnesses.

A heat alert is issued when paramedics receive five heat-related emergency calls in a 24 hour period. The heat was expected to continue.

Warning signs of Heat Exhaustion:

• Heavy sweating
• Paleness
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fainting

Remember to keep cool and use common sense:

• Avoid hot foods and heavy meals—they add heat to your body.
• Drink plenty of fluids and replace salts and minerals in your body. Do not take salt tablets unless under medical supervision.
• Dress infants and children in cool, loose clothing and shade their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella.
• Limit sun exposure during mid-day hours and in places of potential severe exposure such as beaches.
• Do not leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car.
• Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area.

Otherwise, help the victim to cool off, CALL 911 if symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour.