Heat-related emergency calls on the rise as high temperatures continue
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – As the hot weather continues in central Ohio, so do the heat-related emergency calls.
Battalion Chief Jeffrey Geitter shared Columbus Division of Fire (CFD) numbers from June 4 through June 20 showing how many heat related emergencies were responded to. A map was included with the numbers. Incidents happened in various parts of the city. Geitter reiterated reminders which have been shared throughout this heat wave.
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“Just be cautious, if you start to feel those symptoms, remove yourself from the scenario and try to cool down,” Geitter said.
The numbers from CFD showed the division responded to more than 40 heat-related emergency calls this week. That’s up from earlier in the month.
“Early part of June we were averaging one heat run a day, yesterday was 14. So we’ve seen a significant uptick in the last week. Running on folks that are either having trouble breathing, overheating from working outside, those types of incidents,” Geitter said.
14 was the highest so far this month. June 17 was the next highest day when the division responded to 10 heat-related emergencies. Geitter expected more calls this weekend with big events and people out and about.
“Anything you can do to cool yourself down. Just don’t let yourself get to that place where you’ve overdone it, you’re in the sun all day and now you’re feeling those symptoms,” he said.
Based on the numbers to this point, Geitter said it seems Columbus residents are following the safety advice the division and other medical professionals have been discussing.
“When you look at that, it is an uptick and the heat is, it’s been up there for sure. But I do think people are being responsible, we’re just trying to get that voice out for those that maybe haven’t heard it yet or are younger and not familiar with this, just to be mindful,” Geitter said.
As CFD members help others, they have to keep themselves safe too. Geitter said they do the best to follow the advice they give. There have been no heat related emergencies involving CFD members this week, according to Geitter.
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