Area hospitals report rise in heat-related illnesses

An extreme heat warning for several local counties remains in effect through 8 p.m. Wednesday.

By MEGAN SWIFT
TribLive

Hospitals throughout Western Pennsylvania are seeing a spike in patients with heat-related emergencies, officials said Monday as extreme heat blanketed the region.

At UPMC, the largest hospital network, the number of people with heat-affected illnesses has gone up “dramatically,” said Dr. Donald Yealy, chief medical officer.

“Absolutely, there’s zero doubt,” he said.

The scorching sun isn’t letting up anytime soon.

The National Weather Service in Moon issued an extreme heat warning for Allegheny, Beaver, Butler and Washington counties, as well as the lower half of Westmoreland and Fayette counties, expected to last through 8 p.m. Wednesday.

That warning includes a heat index that could reach between 105 and 110 degrees from noon until 6 p.m., causing “oppressive conditions,” said Alicia Miller, meteorologist at the weather service.

“The combination of the heat and humidity is very dangerous to be outside for a long period of time,” she said. “Even doing simple things like walking — you’re going to make sure you stay hydrated because it’s very uncomfortable.”

Heat-related illnesses can include mild heat cramps and exhaustion, Yealy said.

“They easily overlap with other things that are common in the emergency department,” he said. “The heat will worsen underlying conditions.”

Those at most risk are the very young and very old, as well as those with underlying heart, lung, nervous system and psychiatric conditions, Yealy said. People who have labor jobs outside are at risk, too.

“As the temperature goes up, the opportunity for people to have heat-related illness goes up,” he said. “Everybody is at risk.”

UPMC hadn’t seen any cases of heat stroke as of Monday, which is the most severe kind of heat illness, Yealy said.

No notable heat-related emergencies were reported at Allegheny Health Network.

Dr. Michael Fiorina, chief medical officer at Independence Health System, said all of its hospitals are “on alert for heat-related illnesses.”

“Tips to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses include staying hydrated, dress in lightweight/loose clothing, limiting activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., protect your skin with sunscreen, take breaks and never leave any pets or people in a car (even for brief periods),” Fiorina said.

For people who don’t have air conditioners at home, Miller suggested going to a store or the mall. However, heat toleration varies depending on individual comfort level.

Duquesne Light said there have been “no major impacts” to its electric grid.

First Energy Corporation, which runs West Penn Power, released tips for customers to keep their bills down and avoid power outages, such as using fans to reduce air conditioning, setting thermostats as high as comfort allows to ease power use, keeping blinds and curtains closed during daylight hours and unplugging chargers that are not in use.

West Penn Power completed work — including inspections — in advance of the summer heat that wrapped up in late May to inspect poles and wires and substation equipment such as transformers to address issues and make repairs, said Todd Meyers, spokesperson for First Energy.

‘Get out of the heat’

UPMC’s Yealy cautioned Western Pennsylvanians to pay attention to early symptoms of heat-related conditions.

“Find ways to at least get a break from direct sunlight and to stay hydrated,” he said. “You feel nauseated, you have cramps in your legs or in your belly, if you feel like you’re sweating excessively… get out of the heat.”

Cooling centers are available.

Youngwood Park N Pool board president Ed Christofano said the facility has experienced record attendance the last few days, with about 450 people Sunday and 500 Saturday.

Verona Police Chief Thomas Dessell said there were no visitors Monday at the Verona Borough Building. Despite the lack of use, the cooling station will remain available.

“The next couple days are going to be hotter, so we’ll see,” Dessell said.

In Greensburg, Mutual Aid EMS reported six heat-related calls by mid-afternoon Monday, according to spokesperson Shawn Penzera. Westmoreland 911 had received three heat-related calls, public information officer Cassandra Kovatch said.

Penzera cautioned anyone spending time outside to take seriously symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and light-headedness.

“Those are more serious indicators that you may be having a rise in your core body temperature,” he said.