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Heat related illnesses on the rise

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Posted 9:16 PM 6/18/2012 : Heat related illnesses on the rise

TUCSON - As summer temperatures soar firefighters are warning of the dangers, including heat exhaustion or worse, heat stroke.

And offering good advice on how to stay cool.

On Monday fire crews responded to five heat related emergency calls. Three in the city, and two in the county.

To avoid a trip to the emergency room, firefighters say hydration and protection are key.

"You want to have light weight, loose clothing. Use sunscreen, wear hats, try to keep the heat off of you as much as possible," says Captain Barrett Baker with Tucson Fire.

He says too much sun can lead to heat exhaustion, stroke, even death, "The heat stroke itself, when you lose the ability to regulate temperature, now you can go unconscious and your internal organs heat up and you're looking at severe medical problems."

Captain Baker also warns be careful what you drink, stay away from sugary liquids.

If you grab a sports drink, Baker recommends mixing it with water, to replenish fluids and electrolytes.

"It's best to dilute those 50/50 with water and Gatorade that way you're getting the water intake and the electrolytes to boost yourself up," Baker said.

Baker says the elderly and children are especially susceptible to heat related illnesses, "When temperatures get over 100 degrees you can get overheated without even knowing you're getting overheated. When you think you've had enough water, continue to drink."

The hottest, most dangerous time of day is between the hours of two and five.

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