We have a hot week ahead of us, and health experts warn that this weather can be dangerous, even deadly.
MedStar says crews have already treated 18 people this month for heat-related illness, ten were treated yesterday alone. The ambulance service is gearing up for a busy few days.
"We're ready for this week," says MedStar Chief Transformation Officer Matt Zavadsky. "It's going to be hot, it's going to be humid. High heat indexes. We're ready to really take care of the community."
Zavadsky says now is the time to check on elderly loved ones, who are more susceptible to heat-related illness. Also important: Double check the backseat to make sure you don't accidentally leave a child in the car. With temperatures this high, that could turn deadly fast.
"Quite frankly, we're not ready for [the heat]," Zavadsky says. "Our bodies aren't conditioned for it."
To avoid heat exhaustion, Zavadsky says hydration is key. That's one of several tips MedStar is officially recommending:
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water during the day, especially if you are engaged in any strenuous activity. Sports drinks are a good choice if you're exercising or working in hot conditions, but water is a good way to hydrate as well.
Ventilate: Stay in a place where there is plenty of air circulating to keep your body cool. If you are indoors and don't have access to air conditioning, open windows and use a fan.
Cover Up: Wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing to avoid absorbing the sun's light and trapping heat. Wear a hat to shield yourself from the sun, but once you feel yourself getting warm, remove any items covering your head which can trap heat close to your body.
Limit Activity: Heatstroke can occur in less than an hour when you are participating in strenuous activity during a hot day. If you feel yourself getting hot or light-headed, stop your activity and rest in a cool place out of the sun. Be sure to drink water or a sports drink before, during, and after any strenuous activity.
Zavadsky says heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you start showing symptoms, he says you need to call 911 immediately.
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