Extreme heat continues along with dangers of heat illnesses

You can expect another hot and humid day today with heat indexes approaching 105 in central Indiana. And forecasters with the National Weather Service say you can expect that sticky heat to be around through at least Saturday afternoon.

The scorching weather can quickly cause heat-related illnesses. According to Columbus firefighters if a victim feels faint or dizzy, has excessive sweating, cool, pale or clammy skin, a rapid weak pulse and muscle cramps, they could be suffering from Heat Exhaustion. You should get them to a cool, air-conditioned place, have them drink water if they are conscious and take a cool shower or use cool compresses.

Heat Stroke is more serious and you should call 911 if someone is experiencing the symptoms. Those include a throbbing headache and confusion, but no sweating. Their skin could be red, hot and dry. There will be a rapid, strong pulse and a victim could lose consciousness. You should get a heat stroke victim to a cool place and use cool cloths or a bath to cool them down. You should not give liquids to a victim of heat stroke.

Graphic courtesy of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services