Heat-Related Illnesses at Centennial High School Draw First Responders

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services was called to Centennial High School Saturday morning after several people exhibited symptoms of heat-related illness.

After 11 a.m., officials said they were handling multiple patients, mostly those suffering from early signs of heat-related sickness, at athletic events on campus.

Temperatures are supposed to hit 90 degrees after noon Saturday. It will feel like 97 degrees around 3 and 4 p.m., the hottest part of the day, according to the National Weather Service forecast for Howard County.

Early symptoms of heat illness include fatigue, cramps, headache, dizziness, fast pulse and nausea/vomiting, according to Howard County emergency personnel, who advised stopping the activity, cooling down and drinking water as ways to render first aid.

Signs of life-threatening illness — in which case people should call 911 — include seizures, fainting, seizures, confusion and sweating had stopped, officials said.