(File photo/paNOW staff)
Find the shade

Parkland Ambulance busy during latest heat wave

Jun 7, 2021 | 1:34 PM

The break in the weather over the weekend brought relief for paramedics. They had been assisting several people daily during the heat wave that hit the prairies last week.

By 7 p.m. Sunday, Parkland Ambulance had responded to 104 incidents.

Many assisted by paramedics were those with sunburns and a few with heat related emergencies due to not drinking enough water.

Lyle Karasiuk, director of public affairs with Parkland Ambulance in Prince Albert pointed out those most susceptible to the prolonged exposure.

“People in marginalized groups, so people who are homeless, currently on the street and have no other means or access to medical care,” he said.

He said it’s early in the year and we are not used to the sunshine especially for those most vulnerable.

Karasiuk, when referencing the heat injuries attended to, he said they were preventable with shade and drinking plenty of water.

“With extreme heat one day in a week we won’t see too many heat emergencies but when it’s a significant heat event that lasts for several days it will manifest itself with people with significant sunburns with extended exposure or falling asleep in the sun.

“Whether that is working, or attending to the yard or just doing day to day activities,” Karasiuk said, adding to take precautions such as “hats, sunscreen, find some shade, plenty of water and be mindful that it is summer time and enjoy it.”

Karasiuk reminded people to watch for anyone who may be in distress when the temperatures rise and if required access emergency services to get them the help needed.

Joan.olson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow

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