California hospitals prepare for influx amid heatwave and weather warnings

Californians are being warned of dangerous swimming conditions as many flock to the beach to escape the first major heatwave of the year. 

This comes as hospitals in the Golden State are braced for the sweltering heat, even ramping up staff for an expected surge in patients suffering from heat-related conditions.

Record breaking temperatures are gripping the West Coast with heat advisories continuing to today (June 1). The NWS issued a stark warning about "dangerous heat expected in the Southwest" spanning from May 20th through June 1st.

But avoiding the heat by going for a swim won't be so straightforward.

Warnings of 'increased risk of ocean drowning'

The NWS warns of: "A long period south swell will bring elevated surf up to 6 feet to south and southwest facing beaches, along with dangerous rip currents."

"There is an increased risk of ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves can wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats nearshore," explains the NWS. "Remain out of the water due to hazardous swimming conditions, or stay near occupied lifeguard towers. Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions, stay off the rocks."

Several parts of California impacted

The beach hazards statement is for Ventura County Beaches, Malibu Coast and Los Angeles.

Although the peak of the heat is further north, Los Angles is still sweltering under 80F heat. Many people will look to the beaches for a bit of relief.

When the advisories are in place

The NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA issued a beach hazards statement running from Sunday 9 am until Tuesday 5pm.

Thankfully the worst of the heat will have passed as we get into Monday and along with work week getting underway, the beaches will be far less busy.

Medical centres on high alert for the spike in heat

Shasta Regional Medical Center is one of the facilities on high alert, preemptively marshaling resources in anticipation of increased heat-related admissions.

Michelle Shanbon, who oversees the emergency room at the medical center, spoke with Newsweek about gearing up for a bump in patient numbers, including vulnerable groups like children, older adults, those employed outdoors, and individuals with pre-existing health issues.

To combat the scorching conditions, Shanbon advises Californians to guzzle down plenty of water and minimize their exposure to the sun's relentless rays.

Highlighting imperative warning signs of heat exhaustion such as intense sweating, feelings of sickness, and lightheadedness, she cautions residents that these symptoms should "never" be taken lightly.

A physician at another medical facility in Redding anticipates a surge in patient numbers this weekend, courtesy of the heat wave.

"As temperatures climb, we anticipate a corresponding increase in ER visits due to heat-related illnesses. A critical component of heat wave preparedness is proactively ensuring adequate staffing levels, supplies, and cooling measures are in place to effectively manage the influx of patients," Dr. Gregory Hartt, the ER Medical Director at Mercy Medical Center Redding, shared with Newsweek.

Dr. Hartt further advised those suffering from heat-related illnesses to exercise extra caution and consider treatments that aid in cooling down, such as evaporative cooling, IV fluids, or ice baths.

While Shasta Regional Medical Center and Mercy Medical Center in Redding, California, are bracing themselves for a patient influx due to the heatwave, other hospitals aren't as concerned.

"Temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees in the summertime, and we are not expecting anything unusual related to this usual heat," a representative from the UC Davis Health public affairs team informed Newsweek.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that extreme heat claims over 1,200 lives annually in the United States.