Weekend heat wave could prove dangerous

TIFFIN — As rising temps scorch large portions of the U.S. and meteorologists issue extreme heat warnings for the weekend in the area, first responders and other medical personnel are urging people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness and to stay indoors when possible. According to reporting by NBC News, a "heat-dome, which occurs when the atmosphere traps hot air over an area, like a lid on a pot, is expected to form Friday in the central U.S. and expand to the Midwest and Northeast over the weekend and into next week." The article warns this swath of hot weather could be especially dangerous because people didn't have time to acclimate to climbing temps during the cooler, rainy spring. Some medications including diuretics, NSAIDs, SSRIs and other medications used to treat mental illness, beta-blockers and opiates can increase one's susceptibility to heat-related illness, according to the CDC. Seneca County EMA director John Spahr and Jennifer Campbell, an urgent care physician with Blanchard Valley Health System, offered some tips for surviving the heat wave and the next few months of warmer temperatures. Spahr advises staying out of the hot weather whenever possible. "Make sure you stay hydrated and limit your time in the sun or in the heat," he wrote in an email. "Plan ahead if you are going to be away from shelter." Campbell advises that mild heat-related illness can include a simple sunburn to more severe conditions like syncope (fainting), cramps and fever, while life-threatening issues can include heat exhaustion and heat stroke that can involve dizziness, syncope, altered mental status and even seizures or death. She said while heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be similar, heat stroke can be more severe. People with heat exhaustion may have an elevated temperature of up to 104 degrees; those suffering from heat stroke may be running an even higher temperature. Those with heat exhaustion may feel sweaty, faint, dizzy, have a headache with nausea and or vomiting. People suffering from heat stroke may have symptoms of heat exhaustion and experience seizures, altered gait, slurred speech, confusion, delirium, hallucinations and sweating may stop. Though moving those who may be suffering from heat-related illness to a cooler place and providing hydration like water or Gatorade should be the first course of action, calling 911 may be the next step if symptoms do not improve or worsen. Residents in need of temporary relief can call their local non-emergency dispatch center for help finding a cool spot until a more permanent solution can be found. "Low-income families can take advantage of the HEAP program and the Ohio Energy Assistance program," said Spahr. Information on both programs can be found at Ohio.gov. Spahr and Campbell each remind that taking care of each other in such cases of severe weather is important. "Remember to check on your neighbors, the elderly and chronically ill," Campbell said.