Heat Related Emergency Department Visits Top 95
Created on Monday, 25 July 2011 14:57
Contact: Collette DuValle, 317-221-2463
Marion County Public Health officials say 96 individuals have sought heat related treatment from Indianapolis area hospital emergency departments since July 18.
The majority of patients have been in the 18-64 years old age range (52), followed by those in the 5-17 age range (19), those 65 years and older (18) and those 4 years and younger (7).
Health officials recommend local residents limit strenuous outdoor activity during extreme heat and humidity, drink plenty of water, have access to a location to cool off and be aware of the signs of heat illness, Individuals should also ensure pets have appropriate shelter, water and food.
Officials also ask family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and churches to continually check on those who are elderly, homebound, suffer with chronic illness or may not have access to air conditioning or a cooling environment.
The Marion County Public Health Department has a call center open for non-emergency heat related questions and concerns. The 221-2415 call center is available from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. After hours messages will be answered the next day.
The call center has information on heat illness, addresses and hours for local cooling stations, Indy Parks information and can offer information on other heat related issues.
Libraries, shopping centers and other locations are also sites individuals can use to escape excessive heat.
