VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Even in the shade, Clarence Spruill feels like he’s died and gone somewhere else.
“You ever been to hell?”
That’s what he said about the heat, as its impact on Hampton Roads hasn’t just been unpleasant, it’s potentially hazardous to your health, and Virginia Beach EMS wants to make sure people are aware of the warning signs of heat illness.
Symptoms may include one or more
- High body temperature (103°F or higher)
- Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
- Cold, pale and clammy skin
- Fast, strong pulse
- Headache
- Feeling dizzy
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Feeling confused, tired or weak
- Losing consciousness (fainting)
EMS Captain Jason Jones said it’s important to treat these symptoms right away.
“If they don’t get that help it can lead to death, absolutely,” Jones said.
Jones once saw a person’s temperature soar to 105 degrees. The danger zone is 103 degrees.
EMS travels with cold packs that can help bring a person’s temperature down quickly. You can also use ice or a cold towel, Jones said. Place it under the armpits or around the neck, but most importantly, get into air conditioning or shade ASAP.
Extreme heat is especially dangerous for the homeless, those age 64 and older or 4 and younger. It’s important to stay hydrated and in the air conditioning whenever possible.
Jones also wants to remind people that cars can be a killer in the summer.
“Children should never be left in a vehicle, even when the air conditioning is on,” Jones said. “A lot of vehicles now have automatic shutoffs, so after a certain period of time, it’ll turn off the car, and that can create a very life-threatening situation very quickly.”
According to the National Safety Council, 18 children have died in hot cars so far in 2024 There were 20 hot car deaths in 2023.
