Incoming triple-digits: How to beat the heat

The heat puts everyone at risk no matter if you're new to the desert or a seasoned veteran. While emergency room doctors in the valley are expecting to see another busy weekend with festival attendees, they also want you to be prepared. 

Related: Triple digits return for the weekend

The Stagecoach Country Music Festival is happening this weekend, and festival-goers will see the hottest temps we've recorded all year.

As the medical director of the emergency department at JFK Memorial hospital in Indio, Dr. Andrew Kassinove saw more heat related illnesses during both weekends of Coachella. 

"We saw a lot of heat syncope, which is people who get kind of dizzy and feel like they're gonna pass out from the heat," said Kassinove. "It has been cool for a long time now. That temperature change is harder your body needs to adjust."

Eisenhower Health saw a similar increase.

"What we see a lot of is after the festival, people will not feel well, they'll come in, they'll have some mild kidney injury from dehydration," said the medical director for Eisenhower's ennity emergency department Dr. Euthym Kontaxis.

He said that heat is the number one weather related killer. 

"The main thing is to pre hydrate. So drink lots of fluids before you go outside for any reason," said Kontaxis.

Adding electrolytes or salt to your water can also help stay hydrated. And if you plan on drinking:

"So you probably need up to four glasses of water for every alcoholic drink, just to maintain your normal state," said Kontaxis.

Lounging by the pool or a fan can feel nice, but it doesn't stop the risk of heat illness.

"You actually dehydrate when you fan and you'll have more loss. So the point is you still have to put water in you," said Kontaxis.

Serious signs of heat illness include nauseousness, vomiting, dizziness, and not sweating. If you experience these symptoms, call 9-1-1 or head to the hospital. 

"We're here for everybody 24-7 days a week and just ready for the community to come in and get help if they need it," said Kassinove.

When the temperatures get extreme, staying aware of how to keep yourself safe is crucial. In extreme heat, your body is working harder to maintain a normal temperature which puts you at risk. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, excessive heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.

The DHS provides heat safety tips:

• Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness.
• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort but do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses. 
• If you're outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face. 
• Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors during midday heat, if possible.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Extreme Heat Information Sheet

Heat-Related Illnesses

There are different types of heat-related illnesses to keep in mind when it starts getting hotter: heat stroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion. According to the DHS, here are the signs to watch out for each:

• Heat stroke:
  • Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F) taken orally 
  • Red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat
  • Rapid, strong pulse
  • Dizziness, confusion, or unconsciousness

If you believe you or someone you know is suffering from heat stroke, call 9-1-1 or get to a hospital as soon as possible. Make sure to cool down any way you can before first responders arrive, and don't give the person anything to drink.

• Heat cramps:
  • Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms, or legs
• Heat exhaustion:
  • Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, fast or weak pulse, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea, vomiting

If you have heat cramps or exhaustion symptoms, get to a cooler place and drink a sports mix with electrolytes or water.

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