Heat, humidity take toll on people in southeast Wisconsin
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Annie Scholz reports Video by wtmj.com
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MILWAUKEE- People struggled to stay safe as the heat index hits the triple digits Thursday.
With the sun beating down, and the humidity high, rescue crews were ready for the calls to come in Thursday -- and they did.
North Shore Fire Chief Robert Whitaker told TODAY'S TMJ4 they can usually get people cooled off before it becomes critical.
"General weakness, passed out, not feeling well after being outside," said Whitaker on the emergency calls. "First thing we want to do is get them in a cool spot, so whether we're putting them in shade or getting them in an ambulance where there's air conditioning."
That included a lifeguard at a Brown Deer Park Pond. She needed medical help after getting overheated. Thankfully, she's fine, but it's a reminder for everybody that it can happen to anybody.
Jenny Ahler was at the pond with her son and his friend. "I have my little umbrella, the kids have their big umbrella, and I can sit here, watch the kids and stay cool," said Ahler. "They have bottles of water and I have a timer set for every 20 minutes that they have to go and drink their water."
Not everyone is as vigilant. Area hospitals saw several people come in with heat-related illnesses such as exhaustion, dizziness, and dehydration.
There have been no heat-related deaths reported so far. However, the medical examiner believes two deaths last week could be heat-related.
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