Hospitals see spike in sicknesses due to excessive heat
-
Cody Holyoke reports Video by 620wtmj.com
video
GLENDALE- The brutal heat means a spike in sickness as hospitals in southeast Wisconsin are packed.
A spokesman with the Aurora Heath Care system told TODAY'S TMJ4 emergency rooms have been flooded as a result of the hot conditions.
They're not the only hospital taking in extra patients. Doctors and first responders throughout the area are doing what they can to help people cope with the heat.
For physician assistant Dagmara Beine, work during a summer heatwave never stops.
Working at St. Francis hospital, she's noticed a major spike in heat-related cases this week.
"These are people who don't have access to their air conditioning. They're at home. The symptoms they're coming in with are symptoms that anybody can have with heat exhaustion: Dizziness, fainting.." described Beine.
Most patients are elderly and have other health issues. Medical crews work fast to keep people from having heat strokes.
"We're giving IV fluids that are cool, and we're getting ice packs on the body," said Beine.
Firefighters and medics have also seen an uptick in calls for similar symptoms. A special action plan is in effect to help residents stay safe.
"We automatically send a private ambulance with us, just to shorten the amount of time they're on the street and into an ambulance," said Milwaukee Fire Department Battalion Chief Sean Slowey.
Li Tozabala is thankful the support is there. The Milwaukee resident lost his power midday. That means no air conditioning, and a set of strategies to avoid any trouble.
"I make sure that I'm hydrated before I do go outdoors. When I do go outdoors, I try to stay in the shade as much as possible," said Tozabala.
If you're on the fence about getting checked out, have someone take your temperature. Doctors say anything more than 100.4 degrees and it's time to call 9-1-1.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.