ER Doctor Shares Advice On How To Handle The Heat Wave – CBS Local

August 16, 2016 9:07 AM By Tim Jimenez

By Tim Jimenez

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Health officials in Philadelphia confirm a fourth person died in the city because of the weather during this week-long heatwave.

The soaring temps and humidity increase the odds of a medical emergency.

When it comes to the extreme heat, or the extreme cold for that matter, there is a jump in Emergency Room visits, says Doctor Christopher Hartwell from Abington Hospital – Jefferson Health.

(credit: Tim Jimenez)

In recent days, he says they’ve been busy.

“People getting muscle cramps. A little bit of dizziness, a little bit of fatigue. Not feeling well.”

He says those who need the most attention at this time are children, seniors and those with chronic illnesses. Still, Hartwell says no one should take the heat lightly. In some cases people have even had to be airlifted by an air ambulance company. Unfortunately this was because by the time they realized something was wrong, they were in dire need of immediate medical attention. In some other cases it was attributed to their location at the time they collapsed. There was a case of someone hiking in the mountains when they suffered a severe heat stroke, for example.

“I think generally people who think they’re physically fit and think they can take on anything, they’re at risk as well. Just because no matter how physically fit you are, you’re at risk for this and you just have to realize that.”

Hartwell says this time of year, they can’t emphasize enough, the key is to stay on top water and electrolyte intake.

“Whether you’re a construction worker, you’re out gardening, or you’re just like my wife and likes to run everyday, if you’re starting to feel thirsty, at that point I think you’re behind the eight ball.”

He says if symptoms like dizziness, for example, gets worse, if someone faints or is confused, then they should be taken to the ER immediately.

Tim Jimenez

Tim Jimenez is a general assignment reporter at KYW Newsradio 1060. Tim, a native of Lansdale, Pa., is a proud Temple University alumnus. He began his career as an intern at NBC 10 in the consumer alert department. From there he came to KYW…

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