Heat on RAGBRAI could mean more emergencies for cyclists

CEDAR RAPIDS – Medical teams are bracing for what could be an influx of heat-related illnesses as RAGBRAI makes its way into Eastern Iowa this week.

Temperatures are expected to drop to the 80's by Thursday, when the bike ride reaches Cedar Rapids, but experts say effects from the heat can take time to develop.

“It is not uncommon for the heat-related illnesses to be more cumulative,” Greg Buelow, spokesman for the Cedar Rapids Fire Department, said in an email.

Buelow noted that bicyclists are spending the first three to four days in high humidity, with temperatures hovering around 100 degrees in western and central Iowa.

The Cedar Rapids Fire Department and Area Ambulance Service have planned nearly four months for heat-related and other possible illnesses or injuries during RAGBRAI's stop in Cedar Rapids, he said.

First aid tents, staffed by fire and ambulance crews along with hospital personnel, will be at the three Cedar Rapids campground sites at Cherry Hill Park, Ellis Park and Veterans Memorial Stadium and at the downtown concert venue.

Multiple locations are available for filling up water within the parks.

Medical staff also will work Friday morning in Czech Village and New Bohemia during the morning stop.

Dr. Matthew Aucutt, Medical Director of Mercy Medical Center's Emergency Department, said Mercy is anticipating a higher volume of emergency department patients during RAGBRAI.

Aucutt advised riders to drink plenty of water; get adequate rest and avoid excessive alcohol consumption, which can lead to dehydration.

Cathy Ross-Garron, an advanced practice nurse in St. Luke's Hospital's emergency department, said alcohol can elicit other ill effects for riders.

“It can alter their decision-making process,” she said, making them more prone to ignore symptoms of heat illness.

Signs include headaches, muscle cramps, excessive weakness and dizziness.

Trained cyclists are more apt to listen to their bodies than “weekend warriors,” she added, so novices should especially be attuned to warning signs.

Sheila Tjaden, spokeswoman for Jones Regional Medical Center, said four first aid stations will be set up for Friday's overnight stop in Anamosa and the hospital will be able to call in extra personnel, as needed.

“We're certainly there for emergencies,” Tjaden said, noting the hospital has seven emergency trauma rooms. “We're able to handle whatever comes in the door.”

FYI:

-          Signs of heat exhaustion include sweaty skin, headaches, dizziness, fast heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, weakness and cramps.

-          Symptoms of heat stroke, which is more serious, include red, hot, dry skin; high temperature; confusion; fainting and convulsions.

-          Medical attention should be sought in either case.

-          To avoid heat illness in hot weather, drink water every 15 minutes; rest in the shade and wear light-colored clothing.