MIDDLETON, Wis. (WMTV) - First responders and summer camp directors are taking steps to protect the community as an extended stretch of extreme heat and humidity moves into the area, starting on Monday.
The shared message from both groups: if you plan to be outside, have access to plenty of water and find ways to stay cool.
EMS stocking up, adding staff
Middleton EMS Chief Kris O’Dell said ambulances are stocked with resources to treat heat-related illness, including ice packs and IV therapy supplies.
“So here are a bunch of all the ice packs that we have. Again, we’ll upstaff. We’ll have more of these as well,” O’Dell said.
O’Dell said crews are also prepared to administer IV fluids in the field, and says it’s crucial that they have supplies ready to be prepared for worst-case scenarios.
“So to have all this stuff set up the way we have it in this integrative system, it’s, I couldn’t imagine without, life without it. You know, this community benefits from it daily,” O’Dell explained.
O’Dell said certain groups face a higher risk during extreme heat, including older residents, people without access to air conditioning, children, and those with underlying medical conditions.
He urged people to check on those around them.
“We want you to be looking at those vulnerable populations that we always talk about and think about at all costs,” O’Dell said. “You know, that older population that may not have the opportunity to kind of self-regulate body heat, maybe some that are disadvantaged and really don’t have an opportunity to even have air conditioning within their homes.”
Summer camps find creative ways to keep kids cool
At the Marshall Boats location, Camp Wingra Director Summer Jarosky said staff are trained in CPR, first aid, and recognizing the signs of heat stroke.
“And this week we’ve got a kind of a challenge ahead of us because it’s an extra hot week than normal,” Jarosky said.
Jarosky said counselors are using games and activities to keep campers hydrated and out of the sun.
“We like to do a 10-second chug where counselors will count down from 10 to 1, and campers have to chug their water bottle,” Jarosky said.
Campers will also take part in an ice challenge, where they build their own contraptions to try to keep a piece of ice from melting — a game designed to keep them engaged while staying cool.
Planned activities for the week include additional water games.
“We’re going to be playing a lot of drip, drip, drop. And we’re going to be playing a lot of like sponge relay tags, jumping in the water, cannonball contests,” Jarosky said.
Prevent overheating
O’Dell also noted that overnight temperatures are not expected to drop significantly, extending the danger through the week.
He said anyone planning to spend extended time outside should pre-hydrate and add electrolytes.
“Obviously, if you’re going to be out in these elements as well, it’s important to pre-hydrate, also add some electrolytes into the equation as well too, and also have a plan. Plans are always a good thing as well,” O’Dell said.
O’Dell specifically said people taking prescription medications — including certain antibiotics and cardiac medications — should consult their pharmacist before spending extended time outdoors this week, as those drugs can increase vulnerability to heat.
He said the first steps for treating someone who has overheated include moving them to a shaded area, applying cool compresses, and getting them into an air-conditioned space.
“Again, we always talk about underlying medical issues as well, too. It can be something as simple as passively cooling them, right? So if they’re out in a field somewhere, it’s going to be removing them under the shade of a tree,” O’Dell said.
He said people should contact their primary care provider or an urgent care clinic if symptoms do not improve — and call 911 if the situation becomes an emergency.
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