Emergency departments across the state are seeing an increase in the volume of patients seeking medical attention for heat-related illnesses as temperatures continue to rise to near record levels.

Dr. Patrick Carroll, medical director at Intermountain St. George Regional Medical Center, said Friday during a press conference that hospital emergency departments across the state are dealing with an uptick in the volume of patients with symptoms related to heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

“One of the big symptoms people need to watch out for is altered mental status,” Carroll said. “That’s a significant finding that needs urgent medical attention.”

While everyone is at risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke, Carroll said there are more vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women and pets.

“Please don’t leave a child, an elderly person or pet in a car with the temperatures the way they are right now,” he said. “You might think you just need to run into the store and will just be a couple of minutes, but that’s an extremely dangerous thing to do because temperatures increase rapidly. In fact, don’t stay in a hot car yourself without the air conditioner running.”

Carroll also said it’s very important to stay hydrated — with water.

“We recommend 60 to 90 ounces of water per day,” he said. “Avoid drinking soda and alcohol as they can be dehydrating. Just stick with the water.”

Carroll also said to try to stay out of the hottest part of the day, which is from noon to 5 p.m. If you have to be outside, seek shade, keep water on hand, avoid going barefoot, especially on black top concrete, and wear sunscreen of at least an SPF50. That also includes your pets. Keep them off of hot concrete so their paws don’t burn.

Carroll said with several people experiencing power outages recently, it’s also important to take safety measures while the air conditioning is out. Staying in a cooler part of the house and dressing lightly can help. If you rely on oxygen or other equipment that requires electricity, reach out to your medical provider for help and advice.

Carroll also said while it’s great to cool off in the pool, it’s also a risk for sunburn. Be sure to reapply often. While outdoors, you can also take an umbrella with you to keep yourself shaded.

Carroll said if you experience mild symptoms, get out of the heat, take a cold shower or bath and drink some water. For those experiencing more severe symptoms such as persistent nausea and vomiting, clammy skin, increased heart rate, disorientation, dizziness, muscle spasms, heat rash or severe sunburn, get to the emergency department as soon as possible.

There are also ways to keep your pets safe. Cooling pads or houses, plenty of cold water, ice treats, shade and indoor breaks for them to cool off are all great ideas.

“We’re going to continue to see record temperatures across the state, so being aware of this and watching for symptoms can really make a difference,” Carroll said, “Check on your loved ones if they are in one of the vulnerable populations. Let’s have a wonderful summer and stay safe.”

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