Austin EMS responds to nearly 30 heat-related calls over 2-day period

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin-Travis County EMS paramedics responded to nearly 30 heat-related calls since Monday.

ATCEMS said on its X account Wednesday morning that 28 heat-related incidents happened over the last two days. Capt. Darren Noak said the severity of each case varies along with the reasons why they started experiencing distress — from those working in the yard to others who are exercising outdoors.

"Sometimes we'll arrive on scene, and we won't find anyone there. So it'll be a no-patient clearance," Noak said Wednesday. "Other times, we'll find them, and they'll refuse hospital transport. Other times, they'll need some treatment, and then they'll refuse the ambulance. Other times, we'll transport them, but then in the very worst case scenarios, we come across life-threatening heat stroke issues and we have to really pull out all of the stops to prevent that."

He advised people to watch for the signs of heat-related stress, which can begin as cramping. If that then escalates to profuse sweating as well as a weak or rapid pulse or even nausea and dizziness, then someone's verging on experiencing heat exhaustion and possibly heat stroke.

The phrase to remember, Noah said, if someone's experiencing these serious symptoms is "move them, cool them, call 911."

Paramedics also reminded people that a Heat Advisory is in effect through 7 p.m. Wednesday.

According to the KXAN First Warning Weather Team, peak heat index (feels-like) temperatures will reach 105-110º at times.

ATCEMS advised people to drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks out of the sun and check up on relatives, co-workers and neighbors.

"Another piece of advice is moving that exercise or the chores or the work, if you can, to those early-morning hours or the late-evening hours where the temperature isn't as high," Noak added.