HCA Florida Hospitals host community education event on heat-related injuries at Gulfport Senior Center
St. Petersburg, FL — Last week, the Director of Emergency Services for HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital and HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital led a vital Lunch and Learn session at the Gulfport Senior Center, focusing on the timely and critical topic of Heat-Related Injuries: Awareness, Prevention and Response.
As Florida continues to experience extreme summer temperatures, the event aimed to educate seniors and community members on how to recognize, prevent and respond to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke — conditions that can escalate quickly and become life-threatening, especially among older adults.
“Education is the first step in prevention,” said Stephanie Nelson, Director of Emergency Services, HCA Florida Pasadena and St. Petersburg Hospitals. “By understanding the signs of heat-related stress and knowing how to respond, we can protect our most vulnerable populations and reduce unnecessary emergency visits.”
Key Takeaways Included:
- Recognizing Symptoms: Early signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea and headache. Heat stroke symptoms may include confusion, rapid pulse and loss of consciousness.
- Prevention Tips:
- Stay hydrated — drink water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).
- Use fans or air conditioning to stay cool.
- Emergency Response:
- Move the person to a cooler place.
- Apply cool compresses or use a fan.
- Call 911 if symptoms escalate or if the person loses consciousness.
The event was well-attended and included a Q&A session, allowing participants to engage directly with healthcare professionals and receive personalized advice.
Find more information on upcoming classes and events.