Each summer, the West Bloomfield Fire Department responds to calls involving dehydration, heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke. Many of these emergencies can be prevented with simple precautions. Our goal is to help residents stay safe, recognize warning signs and know when to act.


Recognizing Heat-Related Illness

Whether relaxing on the patio or working in the yard, it’s important to listen to your body if you plan to be outside.

The first sign of trouble are heat cramps. Accompanied by heavy sweating, these painful muscle cramps or spasms are a sign that a person is dehydrated and overheated. Move them to a cooler location and have them drink some water, clear juice or a sports beverage.

A later sign of trouble is heat exhaustion. This condition is marked by heavy sweating and fatigue with a headache or dizziness. Vomiting can lead to further dehydration. At this point, it is important to cool down and hydrate soon. Get these folks to an air-conditioned environment and have them lie down. If available, they can take a cool shower or bath or place cool, wet washcloths over their skin. Have them sip cold, non-alcoholic beverages and call 911 if symptoms last longer than one hour.

Finally, heat stroke is a potentially deadly condition if left untreated. In this stage, the body has lost any ability to manage heat exposure. These patients may no longer have the ability to sweat due to profound dehydration, and their increasing body temperature can lead extreme headaches, confusion and unconsciousness. This is a critical emergency and 911 should be contacted immediately. While waiting for EMS to respond, cool these patients by any means available. This could be by putting ice packs in their armpits and groin, helping them into a cold tub or even spraying them with a cold water from a hose. If these patients are unconscious, place them on their side to keep them from choking if they vomit.


Who Is Most at Risk in Our Community

While all of us are at risk of heatrelated illness, certain members of our community are more vulnerable. As we age, our bodies lose the ability to regulate temperature as effectively as they used to. In addition, infants and young children haven’t yet developed these same regulatory abilities.

Some chronic medical conditions and prescribed medications can also interfere with temperature regulation. Older adults, especially those living alone, may progress quickly through the stages of heat-related illness. Checking on neighbors during heat waves is one of the simplest and most important things you can do.


Beware of Leaving People/Pets in Hot Cars!

This shouldn’t have to be explained, but children and pets that are left in a vehicle are at extreme risk of heat emergencies. On a 90-degree day, temperatures inside a vehicle will climb to 110 degrees in a matter of minutes. Even at 70 degrees, our cars will climb to 105 degrees before we know it. Cracked windows do not prevent this dangerous buildup of heat. If you see a child or pet left in a vehicle, call 911 immediately.


Stay Cool: Local Resources Available

West Bloomfield is known for our lakes, parks, nature trails, and golf courses. During extreme heat, we encourage residents to take advantage of our cooler amenities:

• The West Bloomfield Public Library offers a safe, airconditioned environment and is a great place for families, students and seniors to spend time indoors.

• West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation offers a wide variety of indoor programming at the Connect Senior Center. If the weather is too beautiful to resist, consider visiting Lily Pad Springs for some splash pad fun before heading somewhere cool to rest and relax.