Hot summers can pose serious threats to seniors, which is why paramedics with the St. Charles County Ambulance District, which includes St. Peters, plan to be proactive this summer, and make sure seniors are safe when hot weather hits.
According to the article, Costco gave a grant to the ambulance district that will allow the paramedics to visit seniors when the heat and humidity rise, to make sure they are safe. On hot days, the paramedics will deliver bottled water, ice cold, to those neighborhoods that have a high concentration of seniors. They will also discuss tips on remaining safe with those they visit. The medics involved in the effort are volunteers.
Kyle Gaines, the district's community relations director, said the St. Peters region is known for its humid, hot summers, which bring conditions that can pose real problems for seniors. In addition to delivering water, the medics will discuss safety matters, such as running errands early in the day when it is cooler, checking with the prescribing doctor to see if medications are sensitive to light or heat, and making dietary changes to help stay hydrated.
The ambulance district might work with a flyer printing company on a handout for seniors, describing the dangers of high heat and humidity, going over the areas of concern, and describing the new program.
