NPSO patrol unit
PROVENCAL, La. -- A Natchitoches Parish woman has been taken to the hospital after possibly being overcome in the heat, the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office said. 
 
Multiple agencies responded just before 2:30 p.m. to the 2100 block of Harmony Road near Provencal after a 911 call about a woman who was unresponsive. The caller said the 52-year-old woman had been outside cutting grass. She went back inside the house and passed out, according to the sheriff's office.
 
EMS evaluated the patient at the scene before taking her to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center for treatment. 
 
Temperature at the time of the call was 96 degrees. The heat index was at or near 108 degrees. 
 
"With dangerously high temperatures and heat index values affecting our area, the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office reminds residents to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses," the NPSO post states.
 
Heat safety tips:
• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after working outdoors.
• Take frequent breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned area.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, generally between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when working outdoors.
• Know the warning signs of heat exhaustion, including heavy sweating, dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, and fainting.
• If symptoms occur, move to a cool place, drink water, loosen clothing, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or the person becomes unconscious.
• Check frequently on elderly family members, young children, and anyone with medical conditions during periods of extreme heat.
• Never leave children or pets unattended inside a parked vehicle.