RI Department of Health: Stay Safe from Heat Illnesses This Weekend

July 19, 2019 6:56 pm

By: Tim Studebaker

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – It’s the weekend, and that means a lot of people are getting ready to head outdoors. With excessive heat and humidity in the forecast over the next few days, it’s important to be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms of heat illness.

The weekend forecast has parents concerned, too, leaving them finding ways to keep their kids cool and out of harm’s way.

Peter Xiarhos from East Greenwich says, “We have a little kiddie pool in the back yard and an inflatable slide. Come here for the splash pad. The pool here is good. And we go to Roger Wheeler beach.”

The Rhode Island Department of Health is pushing to get the word out about the dangers this weather brings, including illnesses like heat exhaustion.

Rhode Island Department of Health Chief of Emergency Medical Services Jason Rhodes says, “If they start to get lethargic, they don’t want to do anything, they become very warm to the touch. As I said, if they’re sweating excessively, but also if they come nauseous or start to vomit, then that’s a very bad sign.”

Treatment includes cooling the person down and giving them fluids to drink. If left untreated, heat exhaustion could become heat stroke, which is even more serious. One sign that’s happening is when sweating stops.

Rhodes says, “That’s a true, absolute medical emergency. So, you need to call 911 right away.”

If heat stroke is ignored, the consequences are dire.

Rhodes says, “Your body starts to shut down because it’s lacking fluid. Your internal organs will start to shut down, what’s called end organ failure. That is not reversible.”

Places like the YMCA of Greater Providence and its branches are helping out by allowing their members to bring guests this weekend to cool off in the a/c, pools, and other facilities.

Mai Provost from Warwick says, “It’s great. I mean if you don’t have air conditioner, or you’re not a member of a pool club or a beach club, it’s nice to have a place to go.”

If you don’t have access to air conditioning at home, there are cooling centers around the area you can check out. One suggestion from the department of health was to check out the local library because it’s more than likely air conditioned, and it’s free.

If you do plan to spend some time outdoors this weekend, be sure to stay hydrated and listen to your body.