Some Metro Atlanta doctors are now dealing with more heat-related illness patients.
Since June 1, the Northeast Georgia Health System reported eight cases of heat exposure sicknesses within its four emergency departments.
“They may be delusional, lose consciousness. This is considered a medical emergency,” said Board Certified Family Physician Dr. Cecil Bennett.
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Dr. Bennett said under extreme temperatures, heat exhaustion is most common, but heat stroke could be deadly.
“The person is no longer sweating. Their skin can become very warm. Their temperature can be as high as 104,” Dr. Bennett said.
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In 2021, Channel 2 Action News spoke with Eric Bell, the father of 16-year-old Imani Bell, the high school basketball player, who died after working out in extreme heat.
Bell’s coaches were charged with murder.
“Just unbelievable. Unbelievable,” Eric Bell said.
“We have to understand where we are with heat and our tolerance of heat and we should be prepared,” said Dr. Bennett.
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