LA CROSSE, WI (WXOW)—On average 675 people die each year from extreme heat.
This weekend temperatures will be in the 90s, Smitty Searles, Tri-State Ambulance Lead Paramedic said that means its time to turn on your air conditioning if you have it.
Searles said important things to remember are to stay cool and stay hydrated.
He said to drink plenty of fluids, two to four cups an hour when working or exercising outside; and avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
When temperatures reach the 90s fans aren't effective because they basically just push around the hot air.
So, he said, if you don't have air conditioning at home it's a good idea to give yourself a break and cool down at a public place with air conditioning like the mall or library.
The first few heat waves of the year are usually harder on our bodies because we're not used to it yet.
"Because they've acclimated themselves, their body, it actually increases the amount of fluids they have, in increases sweat production and their body is able to cool better at the end of summer than it is at the beginning," Searles said.
Searles said warning signs of heat exhaustion are heavy sweating, weakness, cold skin, weak pulse.
If you suspect you are someone else is experiencing heat exhaustion move to a cooler location, lie down and loosen clothing, apply cool wet cloths, sip water and call 911 if you vomit.
Signs of heat stroke are body temperature about 103 degrees, hot, red, dry or moist skin, rapid and strong pulse.
If you suspect heat stroke Searles said to call 911 immediately because it's a medical emergency, move to a cooler environment, reduce body temperature with cool cloths or bath and do not give fluids.
