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Heat Stroke Is No Joke

By Patrick PickeringPrint Story | Email Story

As states begin to relax stay-at-home COVID-19 restrictions, populations on lockdown are flocking outside -- just in time for summer. As the mercury rises, however, so do reports of heat-related illnesses. Heat can trigger exhaustion and heat stroke, and, like COVID-19, can exacerbate underlying conditions like cardiovascular, respiratory, kidney or mental diseases.

Heat stroke develops quickly and is a life-threatening emergency. The condition occurs when the body is exposed to excessive heat and produces or absorbs more heat than it can release, causing the body's temperature to climb. The condition can affect anyone, but young children and the elderly are most vulnerable. Additionally, people who work outdoors, persons with mental illness or obesity, and those taking certain types of medications or drinking alcohol are also at higher risk for heat-related illness. 

Before you head to the beaches and barbecues this summer, the folks at AMR suggest reviewing the symptoms of heat stroke, how to prevent it, and what to do if you suspect it in yourself or a loved one. The adverse health effects of hot weather are largely preventable through good public health practice, while also following the advice to protect yourself from coronavirus.

The following are the most common symptoms of heat stroke. However, each person  may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Disorientation, agitation, or confusion

• Sluggishness or fatigue

• Seizure

• Hot, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty

• A high body temperature

• Loss of consciousness

• Rapid heartbeat

• Hallucinations.

The symptoms can resemble other medical conditions so it's important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis. 

Your best defense against heat-related illness, however, is prevention. Staying cool and making simple changes to what you do, what you drink and what you wear in hot weather can help you remain safe and healthy. 

The following precautions are not a substitute for medical care but may help you recognize and respond quickly to warning signs of trouble:

Hydration is key: If a person becomes dehydrated and cannot sweat enough to cool their body, their internal temperature may rise to dangerously high levels, causing heat stroke. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ecommends that during outdoor activities in the extreme heat, regardless of activity level, everyone should drink two to four glasses of cool drinks, preferably water, each hour. Beverages that contain alcohol or excessive sugar should be avoided as they make matters worse, speeding up the loss of body fluids. 

Extreme Heat/Check Backseat: In some heartbreaking cases, caretakers had been unaware that a child or a pet has climbed into an unattended vehicle. It’s important that you check the back seats and trunks of your vehicles during episodes of extreme heat. 

Protect your pet: Because pets regulate body heat differently than humans, the Humane Society warns against leaving pets in cars for any period of time, even if you have left your air conditioner running.  

Dress the part: Wear a hat, and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Carry a spray bottle and mist yourself with cool water throughout the day. 

Bottom line: Don't allow yourself to get to a point of no return. Just being outside in extreme temperatures, even in the shade, can be risky. If you or a family member start feeling "off" or are unable to cool down, it’s time to go indoors and cool off. Seek medical attention immediately if any symptoms of heatstroke manifest. 

It has been a difficult spring, but if we take these common-sense precautions to protect ourselves and the public health, we will be well on our way to a much better summer. Stay safe.

Patrick Pickering is the regional director of American Medical Response of Western Massachusetts.


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Dalton Man Accused of Kidnapping, Shooting Pittsfield Man

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A Dalton man was arrested on Thursday evening after allegedly kidnapping and shooting another man.

Nicholas Lighten, 35, was arraigned in Central Berkshire District Court on Friday on multiple charges including kidnapping with a firearm and armed assault with intent to murder. He was booked in Dalton around 11:45 p.m. the previous night.

There was heavy police presence Thursday night in the area of Lighten's East Housatonic Street home before his arrest.

Shortly before 7 p.m., Dalton dispatch received a call from the Pittsfield Police Department requesting that an officer respond to Berkshire Medical Center. Adrian Mclaughlin of Pittsfield claimed that he was shot in the leg by Lighten after an altercation at the defendants home. Mclaughlin drove himself to the hospital and was treated and released with non-life-threatening injuries. 

"We were told that Lighten told Adrian to go down to his basement, where he told Adrian to get down on his knees and pulled out a chain," the police report reads.

"We were told that throughout the struggle with Lighten, Adrian recalls three gunshots."

Dalton PD was advised that Pittsfield had swabbed Mclaughlin for DNA because he reported biting Lighten. A bite mark was later found on Lighten's shoulder. 

Later that night, the victim reportedly was "certain, very certain" that Lighten was his assailant when shown a photo array at the hospital.

According to Dalton Police, an officer was stationed near Lighten's house in an unmarked vehicle and instructed to call over the radio if he left the residence. The Berkshire County Special Response Team was also contacted.

Lighten was under surveillance at his home from about 7:50 p.m. to about 8:40 p.m. when he left the property in a vehicle with Massachusetts plates. Another officer initiated a high-risk motor vehicle stop with the sergeant and response team just past Mill Street on West Housatonic Street, police said, and traffic was stopped on both sides of the road.

Lighten and a passenger were removed from the vehicle and detained. Police reported finding items including a brass knuckle knife, three shell casings wrapped in a rubber glove, and a pair of rubber gloves on him.

The response team entered Lighten's home at 43 East Housatonic before 9:30 p.m. for a protective sweep and cleared the residence before 9:50 p.m., police said. The residence was secured for crime scene investigators.

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