By Chris Munzing
The city of Long Beach has more than its share of aged citizens, who are typically the ones who suffer worst in the heat. And while the sun beat down on the city this week, officials were relieved to report that there were no heat-related emergencies.
Chief Ralph Tuccillo said that the recent spike in temperature hasn't resulted in an increase in emergency calls, but that a sustained heat wave of 90 or above would likely change that.
"If it stays like this, we'll be busy all summer," he said.
Tuccillo said that most of the calls the department receives for assistance are for heat stroke, shortness of breath, hay fever or chest pains and usually involve senior citizens.
He added that the department also gets a number of calls each summer to aid people exercising or gardening without any protection from the heat.
"We'll get a call for a guy who decides he's going to do all of his yard work when it's 90 degrees out," Tuccillo said. "And halfway through he's lying in the grass because he tried to do too much."
When it gets hot, Tuccillo said that the most important piece of advice he could give was to stay hydrated, and take it easy. "If you're going to do work outside or work on your yards or exercise, take it slow," he said. "Only work for an hour or a half hour at a time, and be sure to drink plenty of fluids."
Dr. Dawn Williamson at Long Beach Medical Center added that the fluids should not be of the alcoholic variety, which only further dehydrate the body. Water and sports drinks containing electrolytes are best for the body.
Dr. Williamson, the assistant director of emergency services at LBMC, said that people should be aware of how their body is reacting to the heat.
There are three categories of heart-related medical problems: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat cramps are the result of too much physical activity, Williamson said, and result in lots of sweating and muscle cramps. The treatments for heat cramps are drinking lots of fluids such as water or a sports drink, and getting rest.
The next level is heat exhaustion, which Williamson said requires medical attention. At this level, a person will experience dizziness, headaches or nausea, and need to receive fluids intravenously.
Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention, and can be fatal if not treated. People suffering from heat stroke will experience a high fever and confusion but will not sweat. Williamson said the body doesn't sweat because the body's ability to cool itself has broken down.
Williamson encouraged anyone going outdoors this summer to avoid over-exertion.
"Take it easy this summer," the doctor ordered.
Comments about this story? DMiller@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 213.
