One less person will be suffering through our record-breaking heat this week thanks to a big-hearted Sheriff’s Deputy in Clackamas County.

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Brad O'Neil used his own money to buy an air conditioning unit for an elderly woman he just met.

It all started when Deputy Brad O’Neil was called out to check on an Elderly Milwaukie woman reportedly suffering from the intense heat inside her home.

Clackamas County Sheriff’s spokesperson Jim Strovink said O’Neil realized how hot it was inside this woman’s house and felt compelled to help in any way he could. He apparently tried calling several social service agencies but none could offer any immediate help.

Strovink said O’Neil couldn’t leave the woman to sit in her sweltering house in good conscience so he went out and bought her an in-window air conditioning unit with his own money.

O’Neil and some firefighters from Clackamas County Fire District 1 spent the next hour or so installing the unit.
Strovink said the cool air started flowing through the woman’s house around 6:00 p.m.

O’Neil was apparently just happy to help.

The Oregon Trail Chapter of the Red Cross offered these tips in a heat emergency.

Treatment of Heat Emergencies

• Heat cramps: Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish fluids. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse.
• Heat exhaustion: Get the person out of the heat and into a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position, and watch carefully for changes in his or her condition.
• Heat stroke: Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation. Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.

For more hot weather tips visit the Red Cross website at the link below.