MANATEE COUNTY, FL (August 22, 2023) – As temperatures along the Florida Suncoast continue to rise, the Manatee County Community Paramedicine team continues to provide Season-Specific Care Packages (SSCP) as part of its Outreach strategy.
“We have seen an influx of heat-related calls for service,” said EMS Chief and Deputy Director of Public Safety James Critchfield. “High heat does not discriminate. Our first responders are responding to people working in their yards and on construction sites, as well as those experiencing homelessness. Drinking plenty of water and taking frequent breaks from the heat is extremely important.”
These Care Packages include comfort items, such as water bottles, cooling towels, sun hats, sunscreen, bug spray, electrolyte packets and lip balm. With the intention of establishing a connection between at-risk individuals and community-based resources, these packages will be handed out in addition to the normal Public Safety Outreach efforts.
“This is just another example of how our amazing Public Safety team takes a pro-active response to the needs of our community,” said District Four Commissioner Mike Rahn.
During periods of excessive heat, it's best to remain indoors. Should you find yourself outside in the elements, here's how to protect yourself:
- When possible, use indoor facilities that accommodate physical activity.
- Plan outdoor activities for the coolest times of the day.
- Limit and reduce duration of outdoor activity.
- Take frequent breaks.
- Provide drinking water before, during and after the activity.
- Drink more water than usual. Avoid drinks with sugar, alcohol, and caffeine.
- Pace physical activity.
- Plan for cool-down recovery time in the shade if possible, following an outdoor activity.
- Wear light colored clothing, wide-brimmed hats.
If you are outdoors, know the signs of heat exhaustion. Are you feeling faint or dizzy? Are you pale, or is your skin clammy? See the warning signs below:
