In Case You Haven’t Noticed, It’s Hot Out—and Your Patients Need You to Be Prepared

Much of the country has been suffering through a brutal heatwave this week. As temperatures and oppressive humidity rise, unfortunately, air quality goes down, leaving even healthy patients more susceptible to respiratory problems. Those with already-compromised breathing, such as from asthma, COPD, and other conditions, are in really dangerous territory. Add to that the fact that many people travel the country at this time of year (and, hence, don’t have access to their usual providers) and it’s likely you’ll see an influx of patients reeling from the heat. Your providers may be well-versed in the signs of heat stroke and how to distinguish it from heat exhaustion, but what about the support staff? While patients are on the way in, or sitting in your waiting room for a short while, will the front desk team be able to spot anyone who’s at risk of deteriorating before they even get to see a provide? Ensure everyone knows what to look for. And don’t forget the simple things while you’re at it; make sure every room maintains a cool, comfortable temperature and that the water coolers are full. Until modern medicine figures out a way to keep the temperature down to a healthy degree, your patients are counting on you to help them handle the heat.