Dougherty Co. EMS sees high volume of heat-related calls

ALBANY, Ga. – The intense heat that’s gripped our area this summer is taking it’s toll on plenty of people. Just ask Dougherty County EMTs who’ve already had a busy August.

Dougherty Co. EMS director, Sam Allen says that the heat this summer has been significantly worse than it was even just a year ago.

“In comparing 2023 to 2022 numbers, we’ve basically doubled for the month of July and also for August. Last year for August, we had basically what we’re at right now. And, we still have another half a month to go, and it’s not getting any cooler,” said Sam Allen, Director, Dougherty County EMS.

In August alone they’ve been averaging one call for heat-related illness a day…

Including one day earlier this month involving players for Albany State University’s football team during practice.

“We did receive a call for some football players that were down. Dougherty County EMS dispatched three ambulances to that location with six players being transported to Phoebe,” said Allen.

It isn’t just the people out in the community Allen is worried about either…

But, his own EMTs riding on the ambulances.

They’ve gotten some help from the red cross with cases of water on standby, but Allen says that the EMTs are walking a fine line when they’re out there in triple digit heat.

“We’re also responding on calls with medics where they’re out in the heat for long periods of time, especially auto accidents. Anything that has a prolonged exposure. Because it’s easy to be taking care of a patient, you’re pouring sweat, you don’t realize it; and you could become a victim of heat exhaustion real quick,” said Allen.

So far Dougherty county has only had one case of a heat stroke this summer, but Allen wants everyone to try and stay out of the heat, and if it’s not possible…

“One of the things we’re concerned about is the average citizen that’s at home. Especially our senior citizens, our children, people that get out and work in their yard. Plan your day to get out early in the morning before the heat starts coming on, let someone know that you’re out…” said Allen.

With there seeming to be no end in sight to the relentless heat we’ve been seeing, Dougherty EMS encourages everyone, including their own EMTs to keep an eye out for each other as the summer continues.

Allen says signs to look out for are lightheadedness, profuse sweating, and shortness of breath.

He recommends avoid going inside, having water, and calling 9-1-1.

Brian Roche reporting.

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