PULSE Magazine | August 2019 Issue PE

JOB WELL DONE! HEAT EMERGENCY

It is imperative to heed the heat advisory warnings. The following story serves as a reminder the life-threatening emergencies that heat can create.

Clinical Specialist K. Pailes

Medic J. Remson

Mendenhall—AFD Leal—AFD Crane –AFD Ramone—AFD

Austin-Travis County EMS Medics Pailes & Remson from Medic-20 along with Austin Fire Department Engine 36 C-Shift recently responded to a patient who had collapsed outside of a business and unresponsive. Upon assessment it was discovered the unresponsive patient had a core temp of 108.2 degrees faherenheit. ATCEMS Deputy Medical Director Dr. JR P ickett (Office Of The Medical Director - City Of Austin-Travis County) was immediately contacted and he advised our medics to try everything possible to cool the patient on scene before trans- porting thee patient. Dr. Pickett states that with a temperature that elevated every minute the patient remains with that high of a temp they run the risk of brain damage, this risk increase with each passing minute. As a result the ATCEMS & AFD crews went to the Sam's Club across the parking lot and obtained donations of a tarp, a shopping cart, several bags of ice, and enough water to immerse our patient.

The patient’s temperature was safely lowered to 101.4F before being transported to the hospital where the patient continues to receive further medical treatment.

This was a great example of teamwork, creative problem solving and a local business (SAMS Club) stepping forward in a time of need with generous donations for the best interest of the patient.

GREAT WORK BY ALL

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