EMSA issues Medical Heat Alert

(TULSA, Okla.) UPDATE 2: As of 8:00 p.m. Saturday, June 29th, EMSA medics have responded to 21 suspected heat-related calls in the Tulsa area. 13 patients were transported to the hospital today because of their heat-related illness symptoms. UPDATE 1: As of 4:00 p.m. Saturday, June 29th, EMSA medics have responded to 11 suspected heat-related calls in the Tulsa area. Seven patients were transported to the hospital today because of their heat-related illness symptoms. ORIGINAL STORY: As of noon Saturday, EMSA medics have responded to five suspected heat-related calls in the Tulsa area. Therefore they are issuing a Medical Heat Alert for Saturday, June 29th: EMSA issues a Medical Heat Alert when medics respond to five or more suspected heat-related illness calls in a 24-hour period.    Four patients were transported to the hospital Saturday because of their heat-related illness symptoms.   EMSA is urging citizens to make a plan to stay safe. Plan the amount of time you think will be outdoors and take appropriate amounts of water or other fluids with you, even if just planning for a short amount of outdoor time. Emergencies can happen and you could be stranded outdoors longer than expected. Always have a cell phone with you to call 911, if needed.   Plan your schedule to allow for frequent breaks indoors, if possible.   Tips for staying healthy in the heat:   ·PRE-HYDRATION is key in preventing heat-related illness.  Drink plenty of water or electrolyte replacement drinks several hours prior to and during long exposure to the summer heat. ·Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a wide brimmed hat if working outdoors and take plenty of shade breaks. ·No alcohol or caffeine.  ·If you do not have air conditioning, find a cooling station or public space (such as libraries or malls) during the day. ·Don’t limit your air conditioning. If you are concerned about your electric bill, call PSO or 211. They have programs that could possibly help you. ·Use the buddy system if working outdoors and check on elderly neighbors. ·Keep a cell phone on you at all times when outdoors, including walking, running daily errands, yard work or sports and physical activity.    The following cooling stations are open for business until further notice:   The Salvation Army Center of Hope ‪102 N. Denver Ave.‬ ‪Tulsa, OK 74103‬ ‪24/7‬    John 3:16 Mission 506 N. Cheyenne Tulsa, Okla. 74103 ‪24/7‬   Dennis R. Neill Equality Center ‪621 E. 4th St.‬ ‪Tulsa, OK 74120‬ ‪Noon – 9:00 p.m.‬   Tulsa County Social Services Cooling station ‪2401 Charles Page Blvd.‬ ‪Tulsa OK 74127‬ ‪8:30 a.m. – 8:00 .pm.‬    Dial 2-1-1 for locations, hours and other information. Dial 2-1-1 for information on applying for a window unit air conditioner or other resources.   Updates will be issued as warranted.