KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Temperatures are approaching record highs in East Tennessee, prompting concerns from first responders about heat-related illnesses. American Medical Response said Thursday that people should make sure to drink plenty of water during the heat, before heading out and while spending time in the hot sun.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said people working outside should make sure to drink around 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes — a little less than the size of a typical can. Since June 1, AMR said it has responded to around 115 heat-related calls.
"We make sure we have cool packs and lots of IV fluids to cool a patient down and get them back in the ambulance, where it's air-conditioned and get them cooled down," said April Caywood, AMR's operations manager.
Symptoms of heat-related illness include confusion, dizziness, headache and excessive sweat. Nausea can also be a symptom of heat-related illness. Anyone showing signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion should find a place to cool down, drink water and reach out for help.