Updates from MESA – Summer 2026
Know the Signs: Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke
Summer is a time for outdoor fun, but rising temperatures also bring health risks. Heat exhaustion can quickly escalate to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition that can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given. Knowing the warning signs of heat-related illnesses and how to respond can prevent a medical emergency from becoming tragic.
• Heat Exhaustion: Signs are dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea and weakness. Move the person to a cooler area, loosen their clothing, have them sip cool water and seek medical help if symptoms don’t improve.
• Heat Stroke: Signs are confusion, dizziness or becoming unconscious. Call 911 immediately. Move the person to a cooler area, loosen clothing and remove extra layers, and cool them with water or ice while emergency responders are on their way.
National CPR and AED Awareness Week
About 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home. When applied by a trained bystander, CPR can triple a person’s chance of survival. Hands-only CPR is just as effective as conventional CPR in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest, and it can be performed in two simple steps:
- Call 911 if you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse.
- Push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of a familiar song with 100 to 120 beats per minute, such as “Stayin’ Alive.”
MESA provides hands-only CPR training for free. Check our Facebook events page for public class dates. To schedule training for a community group, contact Jess Barash at jbarash@mesalancasterpa.gov or 717-361-8220 ext. 107. You can also watch a quick instructional video at Hands-Only CPR | American Heart Association CPR & First Aid.
Distracted Driving Law Now Enforced
Effective June 6, 2026, law enforcement officials can issue citations to violators of Pennsylvania’s Paul Miller’s Law. This law strictly prohibits the use of hand-held mobile devices while driving including texting, calling or browsing while actively driving or while stationary at a red light or stop sign.
Drivers are still permitted to use their phones to alert emergency responders. Hands-free technology remains legal for making phone calls, utilizing GPS navigation and listening to music. To ensure safety, drivers should mount their phones on the dashboard, turn on “Do Not Disturb,” or keep devices put away entirely.
Join Our Team: MESA is Hiring!
Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional emergency medical response, and we are looking for dedicated individuals to join us. Are you a paramedic, AEMT, or EMT looking for a career that makes a tangible difference in Lancaster County? We pride ourselves on cultivating a welcoming, family-like work environment that offers competitive pay, strong benefits, and paid time off.
If you are ready to serve your community alongside a dedicated team, apply today by visiting Join Our Team – MESA
