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Tampa, FL - Doctors at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital report a significant increase in heat exhaustion cases, especially among outdoor workers like landscapers and roofers.
As Florida's summer heat reaches extreme levels, emergency room physicians are urging the public to take extra precautions against heat-related illnesses.
Dr. Sergio Martinez, associate medical director at HCA Brandon, explained that while heat stroke remains relatively rare, heat exhaustion is becoming more common, particularly for workers without access to shade.
"Outdoor workers without the ability to find shade are at massive risk," Martinez told FOX 13.
The state’s hot and humid conditions can quickly become dangerous, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those not used to high temperatures.
Heat indexes are high, and even routine outdoor activities can be hazardous to health.
Common symptoms of heat exhaustion include sweating, nausea, vomiting, and a fast pulse.
If untreated, it can develop into heat stroke, a life-threatening condition where the body’s temperature exceeds 104°F.
Ryan Gorman and Dana McKay covered the hospitalization on The Ryan Gorman Show.
"If you start feeling drenched in sweat or nauseous, get out of the heat immediately," Dr. Martinez advised.
In response to the rising cases, Dr. Melissa Bell, vice president of emergency services at HCA Florida Brandon, shared that the hospital has a heat response kit equipped with cooling vests and ice packs to quickly stabilize patients.
To prevent heat-related issues, experts recommend staying hydrated, taking breaks in the shade, avoiding peak heat hours, and staying alert to overheating symptoms.