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Avoiding Heat Related Emergencies
By Becky Sherek, EMT/RN
Northern Health and Fitness Plus
With the hot days of summer upon us, firefighters should not overlook the hazard
they face at every incident they respond to, hear. Dehydration, drinking less water
than the body needs is the major cause of heat-related illnesses. As I mentioned in
the last issue of the Fire Wire, water is a firefighter’s best friend. As emergency
workers, we have a tendency to push ourselves further than we should, that just the
nature of the job, but at the same time we must be aware of the warning signs so we
do not become victims during these situations. Because of high temperatures and
humidity, firefighters become very susceptible to dehydration, heat exhaustion and
heat stroke.
To prevent heat illness, firefighters should exercise regularly to improve their ability
to acclimatize to heated conditions, hydrate with water (not coffee, tea, soda) prior to
and after fires, and when removed to a nearby safe area for resting, they should
immediately remove bunker gear, helmets and hoods so that body temperatures can
be lowered. Studies have shown that body temperature continues to rise if you
continue to wear your bunker gear and other equipment. The best defense against
heat-induced conditions is to understand what causes it and to recognize the signs
and symptoms.
Dehydration: Thirst, irritability, nausea and weakness occur with 5% loss of body
water, only 2 ½ quarts for a 150-pound person. A 10% loss will cause headache,
dizziness, inability to walk and tingling sensations in the arms and legs. At a 15%
loss, the tongue becomes swollen, vision can dim, numb sensations occur on the skin
and urination may be painful. Any greater loss can lead to death.
Heat Exhaustion: The most common form of heat related illness is heat exhaustion. If
not treated, in can continue on to become heat stroke, a life-threatening emergency.
Heat exhaustion is the overheating of the body temperature that does not cause
permanent damage, while heat stroke can permanently disable or kill the victim.
Symptoms such as dizziness, sweating, dry mouth, headache, weakness; fatigue,
clammy skin and unstable gait are displayed. Other indicators include muscle cramps
and a weak and rapid pulse. Heat exhaustion takes time to develop.
Heat Stroke: Heat stroke strikes suddenly with little warning. Signs of heat stroke
include a very high temperature (104 degrees F. or higher) and skin that is hot, dry
and read. During heat stroke, sweating stops and deep breathing with a fast pulse is
followed by shallow breathing and a weak pulse. Pupils become dilated, speech may
be incoherent and confusion or delirium or even hallucinations and convulsions may
occur. As I said before, in order for firefighters to perform at their highest level, they
must remain hydrated and refuel their energy with food to prevent serious injury or
death due to heat related illness.