Extreme heat hits the valley; experts warn against heat exhaustion

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – As extreme heat hits the valley, many would rather stay inside.

“As your body gets hotter, you just function worse,” Dr. Kenny Banh with UCSF Fresno said.

Not everyone has that privilege, though. First responders have to work outside rain or, in this case, shine.

“Anytime we have extended operations… the crews rotating in and out of doing their work get a chance to take the gear off, get some water, some liquids and cool down,” Josh Sellers with the Fresno Fire Department said.

Sellers says, during a heat wave such as this, the first responders have their own team of first responders looking after them.

“American Ambulance will send an ALS unit to help keep an eye on our folks,” Sellers said.

He says the department is vigilant to make sure crews drink plenty of water. Banh says that’s what everyone should be doing to avoid heat exhaustion.

“The common symptoms are being exhausted, feeling not well,” Banh said. “You’ll also commonly get a lot of headaches, nausea and vomiting with it.”

He warns those who experience heat exhaustion to not ignore the symptoms, but deal with them immediately.

“Stop your activity, get cool, get out of the heat exposure,” Banh said.

He says just moving into the shade can make a huge difference.

For those looking for a place to cool down, here is a full list of local cooling centers.