Phoebe sees an increase in heat-related illnesses, provides heat safety tips, warning signs

ALBANY, Ga. – The relentless heat that’s been pummeling our area throughout the month of August has put plenty of people in ambulances, with some even ending up here at Phoebe as a result of heat related illnesses.

Phoebe Doctor James Black says that they’ve had plenty of people admitted over the summer so far, with many of them being in the month of August.

And, he wants people to look out for signs with themselves and each other if something may be coming on.

“…Including excessive sweating, sometimes having cool or pale skin, nausea or vomiting may be an indicator of heat illness or heat stroke and then rapid weak pulse and muscle aches…” said Dr. James Black, Director of Emergency Medicine, Phoebe Health System.

While the City of Albany has done their part to try and help people beat the heat this summer with emergency cooling stations open, it hasn’t been enough.

As Doctor Black says, it’s largely due to how sudden the heat wave has hit our area.

“We were blessed with a late arriving summer. The spring was pretty mild and lasted well through June. And, suddenly it turned very hot on us, and we started a lot of people here. Guess we didn’t get as acclimated to it as we normally do when the temperature rises over the course of several weeks. And, we’ve seen a lot of people that, in spite of their best efforts are in the sun too much or not hydrating enough,” said Dr. Black.

And, there have been no shortage of dangerous calls for heat-related illnesses…

Earlier in August, half a dozen Albany State University football players were taken off the field and brought to Phoebe.

Dr. Black says they’ve even admitted some who had suffered from heat stroke.

“It’s the worst form of it. When your body stops its normal cooling mechanisms, your temperature rises, and it causes mental status changes mimicking a stroke. Those people are severely ill and they require some aggressive treatment,” said Dr. Black.

But with the summer carrying on for a few more weeks, Dr. Black wants to leave a reminder for anyone who needs to be out during the intense heat.

“Every time we get the opportunity, we spread the word about not only looking out and trying to prevent heat illness, but also making sure someone is aware and can recognize heat illness, because the person who is suffering from it may not actually know they’re in trouble. So, it’s up to the people around them to decide when there’s a change in their condition,” said Dr. Black.

With the heat wave continuing throughout the weekend, Dr. Black wants people to know that if they are planning to go outside to stay out of direct sunlight and drink plenty of water.

Dr. Black also told us that if you see a person in the heat who stops sweating, to immediately call 9-1-1.

Brian Roche reporting.

Copyright 2023 CBS 44 South Georgia. All rights reserved.