Emergency crews respond to heat-related incidents along Greenbelt

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) - On Sunday afternoon emergency crews responded to two heat-related incidents along the Barton Creek Greenbelt.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for all of South Central Texas on Monday and ATCEMS is advising people to take caution.

The unforgivable heat struck hikers near Sculpture Falls. A team of firefighters and paramedics rode ATVs into the greenbelt and found a woman in her 20s with heat exhaustion.

ATCEMS Commander Roger Patterson said his crews receives multiple heat-related calls from the greenbelt.

"One of the things you want to do with a heat related illness is to get them out of the heat, so we were able to get her out of the ATV and get her in some air-conditioning we continued cooling at that point with IV fluid and ice packs,” Patterson said. "In the past several weeks when we hit August and the heat really rises up in the high 90s, low 100s, we started seeing more and more of these cases."

In a matter of minutes, a mild heat emergency can progress to heat exhaustion, and if left untreated, a heat stroke. ATCEMS advises people drink plenty of water and don't over exert yourself.

"People with pre-existing medical conditions that make them more susceptible to heat related illness should be very careful, make sure they're hydrating," Patterson said.

If possible, limit your time outside avoid hitting the trails at the hottest times during the day.

"Try to plan your activities for earlier in the morning later in the evening make sure if you are outside you are hydrating before you go and hydrating throughout any activity you are doing," Patterson said.

Some signs of heat exhaustion are weakness, heavy sweating, nausea and extreme thirst.