There is a lack of reporting on heat-related illnesses by hospitals in Indianapolis

Indianapolis, Indiana – Despite the severe temperatures in Indiana, doctors at IU Health and Franciscan Health are not noticing a spike in patients visiting the emergency room with ailments related to the heat.

According to doctors, this is good news since it shows that people are paying attention to the heat.

It’s critical to recognize the symptoms of heat illnesses, according to Dr. Chris Hartman, an emergency medicine specialist at Franciscan Health.

“If they’re feeling poorly in any way, they probably ought to be evaluated, meaning they have an altered mental state, they’re very sweaty, or they’re not sweating when they should be sweating, they’re pale, and they’re vomiting. Those people need to be evaluated in the emergency department,” said Hartman.

When it comes to heat, prevention is the best course of action. Limit your time outside, dress in airy, light clothing, and drink water before you get thirsty.

“The most important thing is you take your kids, your dogs out of those cars. Don’t leave them in a car for any period of time,” said Hartman.

People who work outside at these extreme temperatures need to exercise particular caution as not everyone can stay inside.

“When you’re outside working, take breaks,” said Dr. Joshua Etienne, a second-year emergency medicine resident physician at IU Health. “If you can decrease your exposure time to 30-minute intervals, that helps. When you’re out there, drink fluids.”

Children, the elderly, and those who are ill are among the high-risk populations that require particular vigilance.

“If you have the means and you have the wherewithal to check on folks that might be a little more at risk, especially the elderly,” said Dr. Tyler Stepsis, an emergency medicine physician at Eskenazi Health.

“Kindness matters.”

It is not unexpected that residents of Indiana are more severely affected by heat waves. According to medical professionals, our physiological adaptation to these severe temperatures is insufficient.