Heat-related ER visits risings; workers trying to beat the heat

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The heat in the Ozarks seems to be relentless at this point.

For workers like Kendall DeLong, it's been quite the punch compared to previous years.

"It's definitely been a lot hotter and a lot more humid on the days that it hasn't been raining," DeLong said.

DeLong is a roof repair technician and says his company is making adjustments.

"We have to buy more water and more Powerades and things like that to keep us hydrated," DeLong said. "Taking more breaks and more water breaks."

OzarksFirst spoke to a worker off-camera at the new Pipkin Middle School Construction site.

That worker says their crews are also taking the heat seriously, increasing breaks, and having workers keep tabs on other employees for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, even including making it part of their daily safety meetings.

Mercy Springfield says they've had 12 patients in their ED during the week of July 20-July 27.

That's up from four the week prior.

"We'll see folks that come in with complaints of fatigue and exhaustion and or concerns for dehydration, and sometimes we'll have altered mentation," Dr. Mark Griesemer with Mercy Springfield said. "This time of year, we definitely see it a lot more. We've had a fairly mild summer in June, but you know, the second half of July and going into August is a common time where we'll start seeing more heat-related illness."

One of his recommendations is to hydrate early and often.

"It's always better to stay ahead of things than to wait until you are symptomatic and try to play catch-up. It's not just drinking water, but it's also drinking fluids with good electrolytes and, you know, vitamins and minerals and a good balanced diet, staying away from caffeinated liquids, stay away from alcohol," Griesemer said. " Those are drinks that'll dehydrate you. So, you know, just a good, good overall balance. If you know you're going to be outside in the heat the next day, it's good to stay hydrated and start the day before."

With a cold front on the horizon, DeLong is just happy there's a day around the corner where the temps won't start with '9'

"Pretty excited for anything under 90 degrees right now," DeLong said.