August is one of the busiest months for heat-related emergencies, and HCA Florida Healthcare doctors are encouraging residents to recognize the warning signs of heat illness before it becomes life-threatening.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, July and August have the highest rates of heat-related emergency department visits. Florida recorded more heat-related emergency room visits and hospitalizations than any other state between 2018 and 2022 – more than 31,000 visits – highlighting the dangers of prolonged exposure to extreme heat.
"Every summer we see patients who thought they were simply dehydrated, when in reality they were developing heat stroke, a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment," said Dr. Todd Bell, ER Medical Director, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital "Recognizing the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke can save a life."
Heat exhaustion is the body's warning sign that it is struggling to cool itself. Common symptoms include:
• Heavy sweating
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Weakness or fatigue
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
Without prompt treatment, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition. Warning signs of heat stroke include:
• Confusion or altered mental status
• Slurred speech
• Loss of consciousness
• Hot, flushed skin with a body temperature of 104°F or higher
• Seizures
If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of heat stroke, call 911 and begin cooling measures such as moving the person to a shaded or air-conditioned area and applying cool water or ice packs. While anyone can develop heat-related illness, emergency physicians say the patients most commonly treated during the summer include:
• Older adults
• Outdoor workers
• Athletes
• Young children
• Individuals with chronic medical conditions
Florida's high humidity makes hot summer days especially dangerous.
"Humidity prevents sweat from evaporating efficiently, which is how the body naturally cools itself," said Dr. Bell. "Even people who have lived in Florida their entire lives are not immune. Your body can become overwhelmed much faster than many people realize."
Certain medications can also increase the risk of heat illness, including diuretics, some blood pressure medications, antihistamines and certain psychiatric medications. Patients taking these medications should speak with their healthcare provider about staying safe during periods of extreme heat.
Tips for avoiding heat illness:
• Drink water regularly, even before you feel thirsty.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces.
• Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle.
• Check on older family members and neighbors during periods of extreme heat.
"Heed your body's warning signs," said Dr. Bell "If you begin feeling dizzy, weak or nauseated, get out of the heat immediately. Waiting too long can allow heat exhaustion to progress into heat stroke, which can quickly become life-threatening."
HCA Florida Healthcare operates the state's largest emergency care network, with nearly 200 hospitals, freestanding emergency rooms and urgent care centers conveniently located across Florida. If you are unsure if you need emergency care, HCA Healthcare’s free Consult-A-Nurse line connects you with a licensed nurse who can provide guidance. Call (844) 70-NURSE (844-706-8773) 24/7 for questions related to heat-related illness or any health condition.
