HYDRATION

  The importance of hydration as it relates to firefighters and firefighting activities is routinely overlooked. It is everyone’s responsibility to either carry water on their person or sufficiently stock water and/or water substitutes containing electrolytes like Gatorade, PowerAde on your vehicles.

  Dehydration (less than 2% of body weight) will impair performance and increase the risk of heat illness. The average adult requires around 2.5 liters of fluid per day. NOTE: Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.

Heat related injuries

  Heat cramps may be caused by excessive muscle fluid loss and electrolyte imbalance. Usually occurs in those who sweat profusely, usually before acclimating to hot weather. Commonly felt in legs, arms and abd. muscles.  

  Heat exhaustion is next in severity in regards to heat exposure injuries. Caused by inadequate cardiovascular response to the circulatory stresses of heat exposure. Blood volume is insufficient to respond to demands for increased flow to skin, muscles and viscera. Peripheral vascular collapse (shock) occurs. Can result from salt or water depletion. S/S includes cool pale moist skin, weakness, headaches, vomiting and possibly unconsciousness.

  Heat stroke is the least common although the most serious of heat injuries. Heat stroke is the failure of all of the body’s neurologic cooling mechanisms resulting in a rapid, uncontrollable rise in body temp. (105 F or greater). A true medical emergency with a high mortality rate. S/S Hot red dry skin (key indicator) weakness, vomiting, unconsciousness.

    Keep an eye on each other while performing under arduous conditions. Watch for the signs of a heat emergency. Supervisors talk to your crews and remind them to drink their water during incidents. When given the opportunity to rehab on an incident, take full advantage of that time. Stay safe.