A heat wave moved in the south and central part of the Prairies last week and it seems as though it's here to stay, at least for the next couple of days. 

The local paramedics are typically called upon in situations where someone is dealing with a heat-related illness and requires medical attention or extra care. 

Chief of the Moose Jaw and District Paramedics, Kyle Sereda, noted that heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two different things, but there are similar warning signs for both.

"If you're in a hot environment and you're not sweating, and confused and feel like you could pass out... you have crossed over into a heat stroke medical emergency," explained Sereda. "Versus heat exhaustion where you're still sweating, you're confused, nauseated, but certainly still well within the realm of being treated."

Chief Sereda added that when someone has displayed these symptoms and needs to cool their body down, the person caring for them should be doing it gradually. 

"The biggest thing is to removed the individual from the heat source, so if it's outside put them inside if you can, or with shade. We try to passively cool the individual off, we don't want to throw them into a bucket of ice water. Cool environments, lots of water to drink if they aren't too nauseated."

He added that it's also important to keep a close eye on loved ones, especially those that may be vulnerable in the severe heat. 

"Remember that the elderly and kids have more difficulty regulating their temperature in these heat situations. Being more mindful of them with precautions for things like shade, hats, suntan lotion."

To stay up to date with the heat wave and current daytime highs, click here.