FORT WORTH, Texas — As temperatures reach more than 100 degrees in North Texas, MedStar is reminding people to be careful while outdoors and to stay hydrated.
On Monday, MedStar responded to eleven heat calls in Tarrant County. As of 5 p.m. on Tuesday, the number was already at ten. MedStar's extreme weather response protocol has been implemented.
There are three categories for heat-related illnesses:
Heat Cramps:
- 1st stage in heat emergency
- Muscle pain and tightness
- Rest in a cool place and drink things with electrolytes and salt or cool water
Heat Exhaustion:
- Often sends patients to the hospital
- Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, fast or weak pulse, fatigue, headache, muscle or abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Move to a cooler location, lie down, remove or loosen clothing, apply cool and wet cloths, sip water
Heat Stroke:
- Most serious heat-related illness
- Absence of sweating, hot/dry/red skin, pulsing headache, strong or rapid pulse, confusion, seizure activity, fainting, unconsciousness
- Call 911 right away.
- Check for pulse and breathing, start CPR if necessary, move to a cooler location, lie down, sit under a fan, apply cool and wet cloths or ice packs to body
MedStar says to not push your limits when it comes to the extreme weather. When it comes to heat-related illnesses, it can be fatal.
Remember to download the WFAA app to check one of our dozens of local radars near you as well as the latest forecast, cameras and current conditions.
Check Weather Alerts here.