Family doctor warns heat stroke is a medical emergency

The Queen City is in for a royal heat wave on Tuesday and on Wednesday, with temperatures expected to reach and exceed the 30 C mark.

Family physician Dr. Carla Holinaty told the Greg Morgan Morning Show on Tuesday heat stroke is a medical emergency and people should call 9-1-1 as soon as they notice someone showing signs of heat stroke.

“These people have altered levels of consciousness. They’re dizzy, they’re confused, they’re maybe going in and out of consciousness and they’ve stopped sweating,” Holinaty added. “They just don’t have that capacity anymore and now their skin is dry.”

After calling for help, the family doctor said it’s important to cool the afflicted person down.

She suggested moving them to a cool, shady place or use cold, wet towels to lower their body temperature.

“I wouldn’t be trying to get them to drink a whole lot of liquid, especially if they’re quite confused or kind of coming in and out of consciousness, because we don’t want them to choke,” she said.

Holinaty added less severe heat exposure could result in someone developing heat exhaustion, which she said is much more mild than heat stroke.

“We tend to see people get headaches or muscle cramps. Sometimes they get nauseous. Sometimes they might feel a little bit dizzy or weak,” she said. “Their body temperature is not so high that it’s dangerous.”

Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to heat-related illnesses, especially for kids, people with chronic diseases and the elderly, she added.

“Especially with people like babies, they can’t tell us the same things,” Holinaty explained. “If you’re noticing that you’ve been outside, your little one is really quite sweaty … They’re looking like they’re not feeling too well. They’re maybe starting to be a little bit lethargic. Those would be reasons to get inside and cool off in a hurry.”

When it comes to staying hydrated, people often hear water is their best choice.

The doctor said it’s fine to drink a sports drink like Gatorade or Powerade, while being mindful of their sugar content.

“Sometimes if you’re feeling really nauseous, they might actually make you feel slight more nauseous. (They’re) not a bad idea if you can tolerate them, just to get those extra salts in,” she added.