This article originally appeared on 12onyourside.com
The Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) is preparing for a potentially busy weekend as temperatures are forecast to reach the upper 90s and above 100 degrees.
RAA Lt. Christy Pritt said crews are stocking units in advance of the heat.
“We stack our trucks up with plenty of ice packs, lots of water, ice, IV fluids, all things we can use to help treat people and cool people when they experience heat-related emergencies,” Pritt said.
RAA has received five heat-related calls so far this summer. The Virginia Department of Health has reported 1,194 heat-related illness visits to emergency rooms or urgent care facilities since May 1.
Meredith Davis with VDH said that figure exceeds expectations.
“So that’s higher than the average of what we would expect this time each year,” Davis said.
Davis said hotter days in May and June contributed to the spike. According to VDH data, Richmond, Henrico County, and Chesterfield County have some of the highest heat illness numbers in the state.
Davis said the coming holiday weekend is likely to push those numbers higher.
“With the weather forecast these next couple of days, we’re predicting probably you’ll see some increases in visits,” Davis said.
Pritt said people should watch for early warning signs of heat-related illness.
“Cramping is going to be your first sign. People are going to be sweating a lot; they’re going to be cramping. You should probably, at that point, drink some fluids and start to cool off and limit your time in the heat. Once you start getting into heat exhaustion, that will be your next step; your sweating will be worse, you can get dizzy, you can get nauseous, you really need to get inside,” Pritt said.
Pritt said heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke in minutes to an hour.
“Heat stroke, you start sweating. That’s a big sign. You can become very, very confused and hallucinate; passing out is common, seizures is common, that’s life-threatening,” Pritt said.
People with pre-existing medical conditions, children, the elderly, and those experiencing homelessness are at the greatest risk for heat-related illness.
Pritt said outdoor activities are safest in the morning and evening hours.
“Make sure you take regular breaks under shade, in the AC, and make sure to drink lots and lots of water,” Pritt said.
Pritt also urged people to monitor their pets. Excessive panting is a sign an animal needs to cool down.
