PRESS RELEASE

To: NEWSROOM

For Immediate Release

Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Assistant To The Fire Chief

July 30, 2005 - Man’s Death May be Heat Related

A Shreveport man’s death may be heat related according to city emergency workers who responded to a call . . .

for an unresponsive and unconscious person at the Pendleton Apartments, 1034 Sprague Street. Willie Cathorne, age unknown but believed to be in his late 60’s, was found be his neighbor, Robert Washington, around 10:30 a.m. this morning. When firefighters and police officers arriver on the scene they found Cathorne deceased, believing that he had been down for some time.

Because of the obvious environmental conditions surrounding the death, heat may have been a contributing factor.

The outside temperature was in the high 90’s and nearing 100

The apartment was extremely hot when emergency crews entered the residence – estimating that the room ambient temperature could have been as much as 10-20 degrees hotter then the outside temperature

All structural openings (windows and doors) were sealed and did not allow for circulation of fresh air - allowing the temperature to build

No central air (going at the time) or window air unit

Physical characteristics of the body and the fact that it was unclothed -giving the

appearance Cathorne was attempting to keep cool

A box fan was going in the room where Cathorne was found

An official cause of death and whether or not the heat actually did play a role in Cathorne’s death will not be known until the coroner releases the results of his investigation.

Intense heat in and of itself can cause death or trigger an underlying medical condition that can produce severe life-threatening results. There are several heat safety tips you and your family can practices to ensure a safe summer despite the high temperatures:

Keep a close eye on elderly family members, friends, and neighbors. Check on them several times a day and ensure that they are staying cool, hydrated and not experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of heat related emergencies such as muscle cramps, easily exhausted or dizziness and fainting.

“Because of diminished physiological warning mechanisms in their body, the elderly often find themselves in a severe heat related emergency before they realize the seriousness of the condition.”

Do not spend extended periods of time in the direct sunlight. Seek shaded areas and if you do have to work outside for extended periods of time, take frequent brakes and drink plenty of fluids.

Monitor children and their outdoor activities. Children can loose a tremendous amount of their bodily fluids through sweat and become dehydrated quickly because of their small size.

If you find yourself or someone you know with a heat related emergency:

Move victim to cool place

Give fluids, gator aid, other sports type drink

If severe - remove victims clothing and wrap with wet towels and sheets if possible

If severe – place cold packs or ice under each armpit, behind the knees, and in the groin area

Call 911

The fire department cautions that heat related emergencies can develop into life threatening if left untreated and if you believe that you or someone you know is suffering a serious medical condition as a result of heat, do not hesitate to call 911. ###