With humid air and temperatures soaring into the 90s, it’s even more important to stay hydrated.
That especially goes for firefighters who battle scorching blazes while wearing heavy protective suits, helmets and more than 50 pounds of gear on the job. The Springfield Fire Rescue Division’s latest class of cadets is finding this out firsthand.
"First of all, it's been brutal,” said Will Lawson, one of 16 cadets being run through the ringer during the 10-week training course. Scenarios include hazmat situations and live burns, but of particular importance is “hydrating early and often,” he said.
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Lawson said he's seen signs of heat exhaustion among his classmates during the hottest parts of the day during a training session.
"Everybody came out of the live burn and we all sat down and we were drinking water and Gatorade left and right," he said.
Springfield Fire Chief Nick Heimlich said when firefighters are working in conditions that can be up to 500 degrees with 50 to 70 pounds of gear, it's important to be drinking water before they get the call to respond.
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"You can become dehydrated throughout the day if you're not aware of your fluid intake. Then when the bell hits, it's too late," the chief said.
"This is a learning curve for them, too," Heimlich said of the cadets. "That's part of the training that they learn how to operate in the heat environment."
The cadets are set to graduate Aug. 4.
SIGNS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION
Cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness and exhaustion.
What to do:
Move the person to a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If the person is conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition.
SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE
Hot, red skin that may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature
What to do:
Heat stroke, also called sunstroke, is life-threatening. Call 911. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person's body by giving care as you would for heat exhaustion. If needed, continue rapid cooling by applying ice or cold packs wrapped in a cloth to the wrists, ankles, groin, neck and armpits.
Source: American Red Cross
