Dr. Pascal Crosley, director of Emergency Services at DeKalb Medical at North Decatur, warns residents to stay indoors and drink plenty of fluids to beat the ongoing heat wave. Photo by Andy Phelan.
Heat taking its toll
by Andy Phelan
Andy@dekalbchamp.com
A near uninterrupted string of 100-plus degree days for nearly two weeks has sent a surge of people to the DeKalb Medical Center’s emergency room this month due to heat-related ailments.
For the first three weeks of August, DeKalb Medical reports 125 cases, up from 58 over the same period last year.
And without a tropical storm in the near future, DeKalb, already part of the worst drought in 100 years, could be in big trouble.
“We urge people to take common-sense precautions,” said Pascal Crosley, director of the DeKalb Medical at North Decatur Emergency Services. “Drink plenty of fluids, stay indoors in air conditioning and avoid exerting yourself outdoors.”
If residents don’t have air conditioning, Crosley recommends they spend time at the library, movie theater or shopping mall.
Crosley said the very young and the very old are most at risk, but heat-related illness is not limited to these groups. Everyone, he said, must take the heat seriously.
Symptoms of heat-related illness include exhaustion, weakness, headaches, vomiting and dizziness. If these last more than an hour or two, Crosley said, it’s time to visit the hospital. In extreme cases, heat stroke can occur that leads to multiple organ failure and even death.
“With heat like this, we’re on high alert,” he said. “The bottom line is keeping yourself out of the heat.” |
