Central Oregon’s hot spell brings a risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heatstroke
Tyson Beauchemin
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — With triple-digit heat such as what areas of Central Oregon are experiencing this week, the risks of heatstroke go way up.
Heatstroke happens when the body’s temperature exceeds 104°F. It’s more than just overheating, and can damage your internal organs – and even your brain.
Fortunately, Bend Fire and Rescue’s Emergency Response Services says they only respond to six or seven cases of full-on heatstroke a year. More commonly, they catch it before it becomes that serious. Often, they refer to these cases as “heat fatigue,” but it’s still fairly serious.
Overheating is how heatstroke begins.
The consciousness is the key to telling how serious the heat illness is. Feeling tired, thirsty and too hot is just “heat fatigue.” The moment someone starts feeling faint, sleepy or nauseous is when it becomes an emergency.
When it comes to when to call 911, Petar Hossick, Bend Fire’s EMS training captain, said Monday, “If you go to them and as you approach, you can even put your hand this far away and go, ‘Oh my gosh, that person is too hot'” – please, in those conditions, or if they are in a coma or unconscious, call us immediately.”
Young kids and the elderly are more susceptible to heat-related illness.
So if someone young or old is still feeling like they might faint, even after they’ve come inside, they could need medical assistance – so don’t delay.