Valley hospitals prepare as triple-digit heat grips Central California

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Central Valley is in for a long stretch of triple-digit temperatures.

Local doctors and hospitals are preparing for the possibility of treating patients suffering from heat-related illnesses and statewide resources have been deployed to help in case of emergencies.

The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services says they have sent out 230 emergency personnel across the state for heat and fire danger.

In the Valley, these include Kings, Fresno and Tulare Counties.

Meantime local doctors are reminding people to keep safe, hydrated and stay out of the sun, if possible.

"Heat related illness is very common this time of year.. It's one of the biggest bringers of the ER in this particular area, and although it's very common it's preventable if you really look out for the signs that get you." explains Dr. Michael Castillo, VMC Medical Director at Adventist Health.

Symptoms such as fatigue, tiredness, headache, excessive sweating, muscle cramps and dizziness are all signs of heat exhaustion.

Being aware of others and stepping in if it looks like they're in danger could also help prevent heat-related illness and more serious heat stroke.

"If you do see people that are confused and they are out of sorts, make sure you send them to the hospital right away, call 911 because that is heat exhaustion and can be an emergency," explains Dr. Castillo.

Doctors say drinking water and electrolytes is essential.

This is important for everyone, especially children, the older population and people working outdoors.

"Everyone needs to drink electrolytes during this time of year, because when you sweat you lose electrolytes not only water," explains Oscar Rios, a Physician Assistant with Kaweah Health.

He continues to emphasize, "Stay hydrated.. Keep water and fluids in your vehicle or wherever you are traveling."

Extreme heat can also hurt your heart.

It forces the heart to work harder, circulating two to four times more blood each minute than it does on a cool day.

That can increase strain and trigger serious medical events.

We have a list of local resources and cooling centers here.

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