SPOKANE, Wash. — As high temperatures linger, health experts encourage taking steps to avoid heat-related illnesses.
We reached day three of triple-digit temperatures on Wednesday. You might think that means emergency responders are getting flooded with calls relating to the heat. But it turns out people are taking the appropriate steps to say cool.
Since Monday, Spokane Fire Department (SFD) has received seven to 10 heat-related calls.
In the same time frame, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue is reporting four heat-related calls in their service area.
We also checked in with our local hospitals. Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center didn't have exact numbers to share. But in a statement, Providence said, "The emergency department is seeing a normal volume of patients for an average heat wave."
And from June 30 to July 10, MultiCare reports only two patients impacted by heat exposure.
These rates are low. Still, Spokane Fire Department told KREM 2 News that Wednesday is when crews expected to see people show signs of fatigue.
SFD PIO Justin de Ruyter says this happens if you haven't been hydrating.
de Ruyter added when it starts to become difficult to think and move, you should get out of the heat and get hydrated. Heat Stroke is even more severe. That's when the body stops regulating its own temperature and a person can become unconscious.
The key takeaway from health experts and emergency responders this week is to stay hydrated.
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