Photo: Getty Images
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — As the temperature goes up, so does the risk of suffering from a heat-related emergency. From dehydration, to heat exhaustion, to heat stroke, there are a number of things to be aware of as we enter a stretch of 90-degree days.
WBZ NewsRadio spoke to Dr. Andrew Eyre, an Emergency Medical Physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital. He said prevention is the biggest component to staying safe in extreme temperatures.
"The biggest things we think about with heat related emergencies are heat exhaustion and heat stroke," Eyre said. "We typically think of heat exhaustion just being like really warm, we start to sweat a lot, people can sometimes feel a little bit light headed. Heat stroke is really where the heat and the body temperature has exceeded the body's ability to compensate, so traditionally people won't be sweating anymore, they can get confused, they can pass out and it can lead to some really serious health problems, and/or death."
Symptoms of heat-related illness can range from headaches and dizziness to fainting and even blisters on the skin. If you think you're suffering from symptoms of a heat-related illness, Eyre said stop what you're doing and move to a cool place.
"If people are feeling like they're suffering from any heat related illness, whether it's heat stroke or heat exhaustion, the biggest thing is to remove yourself from that environment," Eyre said. "That starts with getting into the shade, getting into air conditioning. From there, we think about ways of cooling people, so whether that's a fan or whether that's making sure you can get some water on your skin to hydrate yourself... those are the biggest steps to take if you are feeling like you're being overcome by the heat."
Drinking a cold one at your family's BBQ apparently doesn't count. Drinking alcohol during excessive heat significantly can increase a person's risk of a heat-related emergency.
"It changes the way our blood system works and our blood vessels work, so it's really important to be cautious when using alcohol, because it can also change your ability to compensate if you are experiencing a heat-related emergency," Eyre said.
When it comes to heat-related emergencies so far this year, Eyre said it certainly seems like emergency departments across the nation are seeing an uptick in heat-related illnesses, specifically people getting burned on hot surfaces like asphalt, cement and brick, and those suffering from diseases that are made worse by the heat.
"I think it's important to remember that while many of us are lucky enough to have air conditioning and places we can go for shade, it's important to remember our friends and family members and neighbors who may not," Eyre said.
On Tuesday, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu declared a heat emergency for Thursday July 27 and Friday July 28. A heat advisory is in effect Wednesday July 2 through Sunday July 30.
The ARL also out with a list of tips to keep your pets safe during the severe weather.
WBZ NewsRadio's Brooke McCarthy (@BrookeWBZ) reports