Parkland physician urges heat safety as North Texas temperatures rise
Know the warning signs before outdoor fun turns into a medical emergency
Summer in North Texas brings sunshine, outdoor activities and soaring temperatures — but also a serious risk of heat-related illness. Even before the hottest stretch of the season arrives, Parkland Health physicians are reminding residents that dangerous heat exposure does not require triple-digit temperatures.
High humidity combined with temperatures in the 90s can place the body under the same stress as extreme heat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Exposure can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and other heat-related conditions.
Parkland’s emergency department continues to treat dozens of patients every year for heat-related illness. In 2025, 64 patients sought care for heat-related conditions. That follows 70 patients in 2024, and 138 patients in 2023, highlighting how quickly heat can become dangerous during particularly intense summers.
“When you’re outside enjoying time with friends and family, most people don’t realize how much strain heat puts on the body until symptoms begin,” said Jeffery Metzger, MD, Chief of Emergency Services at Parkland Health and Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center. “Recognizing early warning signs can prevent a medical emergency.”
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses fluids through sweating and becomes dehydrated, especially during prolonged outdoor activity. Without treatment, it can progress to heat stroke — a life-threatening condition in which the body’s cooling system stops functioning.
“Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness,” Dr. Metzger said. “The body temperature rises rapidly, sweating may stop, and the body can no longer cool itself. Without immediate treatment, it can cause organ damage, permanent disability or death.”
When heat stroke occurs, body temperature can rise to 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within minutes.
The CDC offers the following guidance on recognizing and responding to heat-related illness:
Heat Exhaustion
Look for:
- Heavy sweating, cold, pale and clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramping
- Fatigue, weakness, dizziness or headache
- Fainting
What to do:
- Move to a cool place and loosen clothing
- Apply cool, wet cloths or take a cool bath
- Sip water
Get medical help right away if:
- Vomiting occurs
- Symptoms worsen
- Symptoms last longer than one hour
Heat stroke – medical emergency
Look for:
- Hot, red, dry or damp skin
- Fast, strong pulse
- Headache, dizziness, confusion or nausea
- Loss of consciousness
What to do:
- Call 911 immediately
- Move the person to a cooler place
- Lower body temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
- Do NOT give anything to drink
“The bottom line is that heat-related illnesses are preventable,” Dr. Metzger said. “Stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and pay attention to how you feel. Acting early can save a life.”
For additional information, visit www.parklandhealth.org.
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