How firefighters stay safe when responding to emergencies in abnormally hot temperatures
The Columbia Fire Department is reminding firefighters to hydrate, drink plenty of water and look out for one another when responding to emergencies in high temperatures.
Officials with the fire department responded to a commercial structure fire Monday on Anita Court in Columbia where one firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion.
ABC 17 News got a first hand look on what firefighters go through.
Assistant Fire Chief Brad Fraizer said the department provides cold drinks on all emergency scenes and firefighters look out for each other.
“All of our trucks carry ice water. Our incident commander carries additional Gatorades and ice water throughout the department. Especially on hot days like today and yesterday … we keep our folks hydrated and keep plenty of cool liquids on hand,” Fraizer said.
The firefighter who had to stop assisting the commercial structure fire is doing OK with no lingering issues, according to Fraizer.
Monday’s fire required two extra units because of the extreme heat, which allowed firefighters to take turns fighting it.
Officials said they remind their crews it’s important not to overexert themselves, especially with the 40 pounds of equipment they have to carry.
According to fire officials, the average core body temperature is 97.5 to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat exhaustion presents itself when core temperatures are between 98.6 and 104 degrees. Heat stroke occurs in core temperatures above 104 degrees.
