KLAS-TV Channel 8 News Las VegasCrews See Spike in Heat-Related Emergencies
LAS VEGAS -- It's day five of the massive heat wave that has gripped the southwest United States. Emergency rooms have reported a spike in patients suffering from heat related problems, while ambulance crews have been busy around the clock responding to heat calls.
There has been very little relief from the heat as temperature soared back in the 110's again.
Chad Henry, operations manager with American Medical Response says he has had to double up on his ambulance crews because of the increased volume of emergency calls.
"When the temps get as hot as they have been in the past week, any underlying medical conditions can be exasperated or worsen," he said.
Henry says not only are his crews responding to more dehydration calls, but he's seen a spike in calls from people with existing medical problems. Those with diabetes, heart conditions, lung problems or other medical issues see their symptoms worsen in the heat.
Emergency rooms also saw a spike in patients this weekend. Representatives with University Medical Center say most of their dehydrated patients were people who worked in the heat, like landscapers.
At Sunrise Medical Center, Doctor Michael Bachman says it was mainly kids who were admitted.
"They dehydrate faster and they do not have the ability to keep themselves hydrated on their own. They need their parents to assist them for that," he said.
Luckily, there have been no reports of any heat related deaths. AMR reports they have seen more emergency calls from people dehydrated because they were stranded. Their cars overheated and they were stuck with no water.
Henry recommends you keep a bottle of water in your car for emergencies like this.
