Homeless population most susceptible to the summer heat

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- They're kept away from much of the public eye, but under the scorching summer sun, the homeless have few places to hide.

"Especially if you've never slept on the street-- no water. Sometimes you get water, sometimes you don't," said Rosemary Garcia, homeless.

Garcia was hospitalized last week. She said this time of the year is the most dangerous. The heat not only exacerbating existing medical conditions but basic needs like water not readily available.

"Sometimes we don't even get a lot, people grab for one or two," said Garcia.

Inside the ER at Community Regional Medical Center more patients are filing in. Many of them are being treated for nausea or dizziness-- common symptoms of heat-related illnesses. American Ambulance also getting more calls asking about prevention.

"One of the demographics that are susceptible are people who are outside constantly, so they would follow under that demographic," said Russ Richardson, American Ambulance.

The Poverello House has made several calls requesting medical aid. They said even though they provide bottled water and a cooling center. Some people still succumb to the weather.

"Unfortunately, with the heat and the air quality, some of the clients are just, they're fainting and passing out," said Cruz Avila, Poverello House.

Garcia said it's tough year round, but especially this season. She's relying on prayer to get through.

"Out here, it's a different world."

Paramedics said another population at risk is the elderly and to check on those people to make sure they are able to do well during the extreme heat.