PORTLAND, Maine — Mainers across the state are experiencing extreme heat this week as temperatures reach upwards of 90 degrees or higher in some areas.
Emergency rooms across Maine are alert to the increased temperatures and said while they’re not doing anything in particular, they are expecting to see patients who are overheated.
"We do usually see an influx of people when we see an increase in the temperatures outside, particularly when it’s this hot," Dr. James Jarvis with Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center said.
Most people seeking medical attention for heat-related concerns usually experience confusion, dizziness, and can’t lower their temperature, according to Dr. Samir Haydar, the vice chair of clinical operations for emergency medicine at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Portland.
People most at risk for heat-related issues are people above 65 years old, young children, and individuals with serious heart and lung conditions, according to doctors.
"If you find yourself getting confused, if you get to the point where you’re not sweating, that can be a sign of an emergency that we need to address," he said. "Sometimes it can be very nebulous, and that’s important for people to know. That the symptoms may not be that obvious."
There are many things you can do to prevent getting to that point, Dr. Haydar said. Here are a few tips he suggested:
- Stay hydrated
- Get yourself in a cool environment
- Use a sprinkler to feel cool water
- Carry a small fan
The ocean is also an option, but Dr. Haydar said it's important to keep track of how long you stay in the water because hypothermia is a risk if you’re not careful.
"The ocean is a great place to cool down, but it’s still very cold," he said.
Dr. Haydar said you should get out of the water if you start shivering. You don't want to get to the point where you stop shivering while in the water because you can get hypothermia.