Heat stroke, exhaustion biggest RAGBRAI concerns for county public health
T-R PHOTO BY LANA BRADSTREAM
The high temperature and heat index are expected to last through Monday. While the temps are expected to drop to the 80s when RAGBRAI gets to town, there is still a concern about heat-related illnesses for the riders
The National Weather Service is predicting that Marshall County’s temperature and heat index – 92 degrees with a heat index of 101 – will persist and possibly increase on Monday
The high temperatures felt across the state will greet RAGBRAI riders as they start the journey on Sunday in Onawa. Once they reach Marshalltown on Wednesday, they might get a chance to cool down as the temperature is expected to drop some, but medical professionals will still be on the lookout for heat-related conditions
This will be the first time Marshall County Public Health Director Sydney Grewell gets to experience RAGBRAI, and she looks forward to welcoming the bicyclists. The county department will not be the primary agency responding to RAGBRAI medical emergencies, but she is ready to support responders with preparedness efforts and re
However, Grewell does have a concern for riders exerting themselves for long periods of time in high heat – particularly ones who may not be accustomed to riding long distances
“RAGBRAI attracts everyone from experienced cyclists who have trained for months to those who may participate for just a day,” she said. “Regardless of experience level, it’s important to listen to your body. Stay well hydrated, eat regularly to replace lost calories and electrolytes, take breaks in the shade and don’t ignore early signs of heat-related illness. If someone begins to feel ill, there are medical and support teams available throughout the route to assist.”
While everyone should be aware of dehydration, sunburn and fatigue, the two heat-related illnesses Grewell said people should watch for are heat exhaustion and heat stroke
“Both are serious, but heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency,” she said
For exhaustion, Grewell said the symptoms are heavy sweating, dizziness, excessive thirst, nausea, weakness and headache. If someone is experiencing these symptoms, they need to move to a cool place, loosen their clothing and sip cool water. If symptoms worsen or do not improve within 30 minutes, they need to seek medical attention, as heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke
The much more severe stroke symptoms are confusion, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, hot and red skin or a very high body temperature
“If you suspect someone is experiencing heat stroke, call 911 immediately,” she said. “While waiting for emergency responders, move the person to a cooler area, remove excess clothing and cool them with cold water, ice packs or cool, wet towels.”
While heat-related illnesses and dehydration are certainly among the biggest concerns with the weather forecast, Grewell said the community has spent months preparing for the event. “RAGBRAI is a coordinated effort involving local emergency responders, healthcare providers, public health, emergency management, law enforcement, fire and EMS, along with RAGBRAI’s own support teams,” she said. “Everyone has been working together to prepare for a variety of situations so riders and spectators can have a safe and enjoyable experience.”
Grewell acknowledged the RAGBRAI organization does a lot of preparation and behind-the-scenes work, such as making safety information available, to make the ride fun and safe for participants. She encouraged Marshalltown spectators to follow the county and city rules and guidelines, stay out of the way of the bike traffic and obey road closures
“RAGBRAI is an exciting opportunity to showcase Marshall County, and we’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of visitors,” she said. “We ask everyone — whether you’re riding, volunteering, spectating or traveling through the county — to plan ahead, be patient with road closures, follow directions from local officials and look out for one another. With a little preparation and kindness, we can help make this a safe and memorable event for everyone.”
Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com
