Waterloo Region paramedics warn about heat stroke misinformation

Paramedics in Waterloo Region show CTV’s Heather Senoran how to recognize heat stroke as the region sees record breaking temperatures.

The Waterloo Region Association of Professional Paramedics is hoping to dispel misinformation that pops up during heat events.

As Ontario swelters under a heat wave, paramedics urge residents to take proper precautions and to not believe everything they see online.

Specifically, a graphic featuring an ‘orange man’ often shared on social media. The image claims to show the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

It also states that people with heat stroke stop sweating.

The association said that may not always be the case.

“The problem with that approach is that somebody might be hesitant to call 9-1-1 for help if their friend or family member is still sweating because they think if they’re still sweating it can’t be heat stroke, and nothing could be further from the truth,” Jeffrey Bilyk, an advanced care paramedic and WRAPP’s director of media relations, said in a news release. “One can absolutely be suffering from heat stroke and still be sweating and using such as an indicator of severity of illness could prove harmful.”

The paramedics association also urged the public to watch out for severe symptoms of heat-related illnesses, including seizures, agitation, confusion, slurred speech and loss of or altered consciousness.

“The presence or absence of sweat on the skin is irrelevant,” the release stated.

If heat stroke is suspected, call 911 immediately.

Responding to heat calls

The heat wave this week has kept first responders busy.

“In the past few days, we have had quite a few heat-related calls,” said Jason Dippel with Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services.

Some people, he added, are at higher risk of feeling the effects.

• MORE: Symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke

“Younger individuals, those people experiencing chronic illness, you’ve got the elderly, all more susceptible to heat exhaustion or heat stroke,” Dippel said.

If you have be outdoors during a heat wave – be prepared.

“Try to make sure that you limit your exposure to the heat,” Dippel advised. “Seek shelter, frequently take frequent breaks and replace your fluids and electrolytes.”