EMSA Extends Medical Heat Alert As Heat Emergencies Surge Across Oklahoma

EMSA Extends Medical Heat Alert As Heat Emergencies Surge Across Oklahoma

EMSA has extended its Medical Heat Alert for both the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas after paramedics responded to a sharp increase in heat-related emergencies during this week's dangerous heat wave.

With temperatures climbing into the upper 90s and triple digits—and heat index values reaching between 110 and 120 degrees—emergency officials are urging Oklahomans to take extra precautions as prolonged extreme heat continues across the state.

EMSA Medical Heat Alert Triggered By Spike In Emergency Calls

EMSA issues a Medical Heat Alert whenever paramedics respond to five or more heat-related illness calls within a 24-hour period.

On Tuesday alone, EMSA crews responded to 12 heat-related emergencies in the Oklahoma City metro and 20 calls in the Tulsa metro, far exceeding the threshold for issuing an alert.

Of those calls, 10 patients in the Oklahoma City area and 13 patients in the Tulsa area required transportation to hospitals.

Since July 1, EMSA has responded to 80 heat-related calls in central Oklahoma and 94 calls in eastern Oklahoma, transporting a combined 119 patients for medical treatment.

Current Medical Heat Alerts and safety information are available through EMSA.

Extreme Heat Can Quickly Become Life-Threatening

Health officials warn that consecutive days of excessive heat make it increasingly difficult for the body to cool itself, significantly raising the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of heat-related illness can include heavy sweating, dizziness, muscle cramps, nausea, weakness and confusion. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that may cause a person to stop sweating, become disoriented or lose consciousness.

Infants, young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions face the greatest risk during extended periods of extreme heat.

Emergency officials recommend drinking water throughout the day rather than waiting until you feel thirsty and limiting outdoor activity during the hottest afternoon hours.

Officials Urge Oklahomans To Take Heat Precautions

EMSA recommends anyone spending more than 30 minutes outdoors take proactive steps to avoid heat-related illness.

Officials advise staying well hydrated, avoiding alcohol and excessive caffeine, wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and taking frequent breaks in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible.

Residents without reliable air conditioning are encouraged to seek relief at public cooling centers, libraries, shopping malls or other air-conditioned public facilities.

EMSA also encourages Oklahomans to check on elderly neighbors, family members and others who may be especially vulnerable during prolonged periods of dangerous heat.

Additional heat safety guidance is available from the National Weather Service.

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