Fairfax County Rescuers Dealing With Heat-Related Illness Calls

The calls for help from those feeling the effects of the heat since Wednesday are coming in at a steady pace.

Dan Schmidt, spokesman for Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, said the department has received several calls since Wednesday from people with symptoms of heat exhaustion — nausea, dehydration, headaches and disorientation. On Wednesday, five people were transported for symptoms of heat exhaustion and several others Thursday, as there is not yet an official total for Thursday.

“It’s hard to tell if it’s heat-related at first,” Schmidt said. “They will call in because they’re not feeling well but they have symptoms of heat exhaustion.”

Schmidt said the county’s 42 ambulances and medical units respond to about 200 medical calls a day, some because of heat-related symptoms. Each fire unit also has a paramedic on board. Schmidt said the county has both basic and advanced life support ambulances that can be dispatched for medical calls.

Since Wednesday, temperatures have soared into the mid- to high-90s, while the heat index has made temperatures feel like more than 100 degrees. On Friday, Northern Virginia temperatures are expected to be around 101 degrees, but feel like close to 117 degrees with the heat index, the National Weather Service said.

As temperatures rise, so do the phone calls for help, Schmidt said. He said there is a definite uptick in the calls from people who overexert themselves. People who have overdone it and have dehydrated are some of the bigger problems.

“They get out there and overexert themselves,” Schmidt said. “Water is the best fluid to take in to keep cool and stay hydrated.”

Here are some tips to beat the heat from the American Red Cross:

• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids, but avoid drinks with alcohol and caffeine.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
• Stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
• Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors, and use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
• Don’t leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.

Cooling Assistance

Both Fairfax County and the City of Alexandria offer cooling assistance programs designed to help residents with electric bills and the purchase of air conditioners and fans.

Fairfax County residents may go here for more information. Alexandria City residents may call 703.746.5918 to get more information on the City’s Fan Care program or visit the Virginia Department of Social Services Energy Assistance Program website. 

Keeping Pets Cool

Pets should not be left outside on very hot, humid days. Even with shade and water, pets, like people, can overheat.

Fairfax County Police offer the following tips for pets:

• Never leave pets in a parked car. On a warm day, temperatures can rapidly rise to dangerous levels.
• Shade and water are vital to pets. Pet owners must provide adequate shelter protecting animals from injury, rain, sleet, snow, hail, direct sunlight, and adverse effects of heat or cold. A dog house in the backyard with no access to shade does not protect animals from sun.
• Limit exercise on hot days. Take care to adjust intensity and duration of exercise. Watch for shortness of breath and remember that asphalt gets very hot and can burn paws; walk your dog on the grass if possible.
• Recognize the symptoms of heatstroke. If your pet shows signs such as heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, fever, dizziness, restlessness, excessive thirst and profuse salivation, contact your veterinarian immediately. Take steps to reduce the animal’s body temperature; apply ice packs or cold towels to the head, neck and chest, provide water and ice cubes for hydration, and move the animal into the shade or air-conditioning.

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