Temperatures exceeding 100 degrees sent three people to the hospital this past weekend.
Callie Miller, director of Marketing and Business Development for Wallace Thomson Hospital, said Monday there were three patients in the hospital’s emergency room over the weekend who were diagnosed as having heat-related illness. Miller said that two of the three were treated and released while the third was admitted to the hospital. She said there could have been more patients at the hospital with heat-related symptoms but none of them were diagnosed like the other three patients were.
The National Weather Service issued heat advisories over the weekend and again on Monday, stating that dangerous heat would continue.
The NWS stated that a strong area of upper high pressure was responsible for the heat of the last few days, with temperatures from the upper 90s to around 103 and heat index values measuring even higher.
The NWS said the very hot temperatures are dangerous for the elderly and those in poor health, especially if air conditioning is unavailable. Outdoor pets and livestock will also be stressed.
The NWS encourages those who work or spend time outside to take extra precautions, rescheduling strenuous activities to early morning or evening when possible. The NWS also advises to know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency, and anyone in a heat stroke situation should call 9-1-1.
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