Heat Wave Prompts Preparations at Colorado HospitalHeat Wave Prompts Preparations at Colorado Hospital Aurora, Colorado – As temperatures are expected to soar into the triple digits this week in Colorado, the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora is preparing for an increase in patients with heat-related illnesses. Increased Risk Due to Heat and Altitude Dr. Lesley Osborn, an emergency department physician, warns that extreme heat, combined with Colorado’s high altitude, poses a significant risk of dehydration and heat injury. Vulnerable Populations Older individuals, homeless people, and outdoor workers are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Cooling Methods The hospital is stocking up on ice machines and IV fluids to cool patients quickly. Some firefighters in Arizona are using ice-filled body bags as a unique cooling method. Prevention is Key Osborn emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated and starting hydration well before spending time in the heat. Warning Signs If someone experiences dizziness, nausea, or stops sweating, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately, as these can be signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Reporter Kelly Werthmann, a reporter at CBS News Colorado, covers the hospital’s preparations and the risks associated with extreme heat.
As temperatures rise outside, trauma rooms at the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora are being readied to help cool patients.
“Anytime we have a heat wave or other extreme weather, whether it’s cold or hot, we expect to see an increase in patients,” said Dr. Lesley Osborn, an emergency department physician.
With triple-digit temperatures expected in Colorado this week, Osborn said the emergency room team is expecting an increase in patients with heat-related illnesses. Most, she explained, are likely to be older or more vulnerable individuals who are struggling to cope with the heat.
“We have a lot of homeless patients who are living outside and exposed to the elements,” she told CBS News Colorado. Kelly Werthmann“There are many workers who work in the sun, such as construction workers, emergency workers in the waiting room, ambulance personnel and firefighters.”
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While most Colorado residents are used to the hot, dry conditions, summer visitors are not. And when combined with the high altitude, it can be a dangerous combination.
“Altitude plays a huge role when it comes to heat injury and illness because it increases the risk of dehydration,” Osborn said.
As the intense summer heat wave proves deadly in other parts of the country, many first responders are using unique tactics to save lives. In Arizona, some firefighters are using body bags filled with ice to cool patients.
“We have ice machines here and it’s not difficult to put ice in bags and cool patients down as quickly as possible,” Osborn said.
Osborn added that doctors at UCHealth will likely use smaller ice packs and IV fluids to treat overheated patients. She stressed that the most important thing anyone can do to prevent a heat-related injury — and potentially a visit to the ER — is to stay hydrated.
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“Starting hydration now, now that we know temperatures are going to be in the 100s over the next few days, is really the most important thing,” she said. “Hydrating and taking in electrolytes 24 to 48 hours before you go out and work in the heat is probably as important as drinking at work.”
Osborn advised calling 911 or going to the emergency room immediately if someone feels dizzy or nauseous and may stop sweating because the body can’t regulate its temperature.
Kelly Werthmann
