FORT WORTH, Texas -- Stocked with saline bags, cold packs and water, MedStar Mobile Healthcare's ambulances are ready for extreme weather protocol, when they prioritize emergencies that happen outside on days when the heat index hits 105 degrees or more.
"We’re going to try to get you as quickly as possible to get you out of the heat, into the air-conditioned ambulance," said MedStar spokesman Matt Zavadsky. "Being out in the heat could complicate either the medical condition or the trauma condition."
Since May, MedStar has responded to 166 heat-related calls. That's twice the number from this time last year, when they responded to 79 heat-related calls.
"Summer this year has gotten hot a lot sooner than last year," said Zavadsky.
MedStar uses a computer system to strategically place its 43 ambulances throughout the Tarrant County community, based on locations of high call volumes in the past.
EMS crews will wait at gas stations or outside restaurants for example, waiting to respond to any emergency in the immediate area, which helps cut down on response times, said Zavadsky.
If you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated and it's time to hydrate and take a break, he said.
If you feel your muscles starting to cramp up, you may be experiencing heat cramps due to lack of electrolytes.
The next phase is heat exhaustion, said Zavadsky. Symptoms include feeling weak, nauseous, and sweating.
Heat stroke is the most serious phase, when a person is vomiting and can no longer sweat because they are so dehydrated.
The elderly, those with certain medical conditions, and children are most at-risk.
"Try and get them into a cooler environment," said Zavadsky. "If they’re awake, give them something to drink. If they’re not awake, then maybe put some fluids or water on them to help begin cooling their body."