GREENSBORO, N.C. — Wednesday is expected to be the hottest day of the year with the heat index reaching triple digits.
Guilford County Emergency Services (EMS) says they're seeing more heat-related emergencies. They said they responded to 22 heat-related emergencies last week, doubling what they saw the week before.
EMS wants people to pay attention and listen to your body, so you don't get too hot in the coming days.
People who are out in the heat for too long could experience one of two things: heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Signs of heat exhaustion include:
- headache
- dizziness
- thirst
- excessive sweating
"If you see someone in that condition you want to try to move them to a cooler area either shade or air conditioning and cool them down, give them something to drink, the other thing we really caution against is there's been some information moving around recently about using an ice bath for those patients that is not a good idea," Scott Muthersbaugh with EMS said in regard to heat stroke.
Muthersbaugh says heat exhaustion often comes before heat stroke, which he described as a real medical emergency.
"You're going to see dizziness, loss of consciousness, sometimes people throw up, you've got rapid heart rate, that's when people stop sweating and that's when we're really concerned about a medical emergency there," he added. "So, that's where you should take someone inside and immediately call 911 move them to a cooler place and stay with them until help arrives."
Here's how to stay away from both heat exhaustion and heat stroke: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, stay hydrated, and avoid sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages.
While everyone is impacted by the weather certain populations are more at risk, including people experiencing homelessness, the elderly, those who work outside, and people who can't afford air conditioning. There are cooling stations available in Greensboro and High Point if needed.
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