With higher heat ahead, paramedics urge Central Valley residents to take precautions

Updated 2 hours ago
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Central Californians are having to wake up earlier to get in their exercise.

"We usually play a couple of hours... and we're done for the day. It's too hot, and so, we're pretty much inside after that," said Sherry Ogden, a pickleball player.

Fresno has had low triple digits for the last few weeks.

But now it's going to get hotter.

As Action News has been warning you about the impending high heat, paramedics are already hard at work.



"Summertime is busy. You know, temperatures rise, and calls increase," said Jessica Bernal, the Basic Life Support Operation Manager for American Ambulance in Fresno.

American Ambulance says every Summer, it responds to numerous heat-related illness calls -- mainly, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

"They're sweating, they're feeling fatigue, nausea, vomiting -- that's heat exhaustion. Then, when we talk about heat strokes, we're looking for someone who is not sweating. Someone that is confused or altered, not acting like themselves," said Bernal.

"You do the best you can. You get some exercise, even though it's so hot. Stay cool, drink lots of water," said Ogden.

Bernal also says it's important to wear sunscreen and to reapply it regularly.



"Make sure that you protect your skin so you can prevent any type of burns," said Bernal. "It could be painful, really uncomfortable. If that ever occurs, we advise you to go ahead and go to urgent care or the ER to go ahead and seek treatment."

Paramedics also recommend wearing long sleeves, staying in the shade, and keeping an eye on others -- especially high-risk groups like children and seniors.

The hot weather can also cause heart problems.

As the heart works harder to cool the body, it can create severe strain that can trigger dehydration, low blood pressure, and heart attacks.

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