AUSTIN, Texas — The heat is on, with Central Texas in the midst of frequent days with triple-digit heat.
Over the holiday weekend, as many people enjoy the summer outdoors, Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) is reminding everyone to be careful in the heat.
"Especially right at the beginning of our warm season, we typically see an increase in 911 calls related to heat-related illnesses," ATCEMS Capt. Christa Stedman said.
ATCEMS said it has had more than 30 heat-related calls already in June. The agency is warning people to be especially careful on the trails, where medics carried out a rescue this week.
"The patient was moved using a big wheel, which, if you can imagine, is sort of like a wheelbarrow for people. We used it to extradite them partly off the trail where AFD [Austin Fire Department] UTVs [utility terrain vehicles] were and drove them out to an ambulance," Stedman said.
ATCEMS recommends spending time outside in the morning before the most grueling heat of the day arrives.
"Make sure you are staying hydrated when you are doing outdoor activities. Make sure you are taking rest breaks in shade, cool down with water and avoid extra dehydration, avoiding alcohol or caffeine," Capt. Stedman said.
ATCEMS recommends drinking as much as 32 ounces of water each day and wearing light clothes if you are doing things outside.