Know the signs of heat-illness as Las Vegas Valley undergoes excessive heat

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) - The temperatures Southern Nevada is facing is about to get worse.

The heat could be dangers for those who are residents and for people who are new to the area.

Many valley residents could say the temperatures are already unbearable. Community Ambulance tells FOX5, they had 20 heat-related calls this week.

Glen Simpson, the senior director, warns the first organ in your body to know something is wrong is your brain.

“It sends signals to your body to say, ‘Hey, it’s a little too warm. We need to begin cooling down.’ In return, your body will start sweating,” Simpson said.

Then your heart will react.

“Our heart is going to begin increasing blood flow and pump faster. Naturally, my lungs are going to work harder because everything is working harder. At this point, everything is concentrated to the core. That’s when we begin a stomach ache,” Simpson said.

Simpson says the body could eventually exhaust itself and the patient can lose conscious or start vomiting.

FOX5 decided to see just how quickly the heat can affect the body.

Reporter Victoria Saha checked her heart rate and blood pressure while inside in a cool building.

The resting heart rate was about 70 beats per minute, and the oxygen saturation was 98 percent. She then went to take a quick walk outside the building when it was over 100 degrees and came right back inside.

Her heart rate increased to 82 beats for minute.

Hydration is key, even before you step outside. However, if you do find yourself outside, the Centers for Disease Control recommends a cup of water every 20 minutes.

Simpson said if you are with someone who is experiencing heat related illnesses, give them sips of water instead of letting them gulp it down which can result in them vomiting and lead to more dehydration.

Copyright 2024 KVVU. All rights reserved.