MFD firefighter tips on dealing with the heat

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With temperatures continuing to climb for summer, Maricopa residents needs to focus on getting rest, staying hydrated and avoiding long periods of time in the sun.

Excessive heat can affect the human body in many ways. As the temperatures rise for the summer, residents need to be more aware of staying hydrated, and keeping cool. Members of the Maricopa Fire Department recommend staying inside during the hottest parts of the day, and drinking at least 64 ounces of non-caffeinated liquid.

“[Maricopa firefighter] responsibilities are to maintain proper rest and nutrition throughout the shift, prior to, and obviously after as well,” MFD Battalion Chief John Pantoja said. “They need to make sure they are hydrating before, during and after shift. We recommend at least 64 ounces of fluid, and minimize things like coffee, tea and cola products since caffeine will dehydrate you a little bit.”

This hydration guideline also stretches to alcohol consumption. Heat and sun exposure dehydrates the body by evaporating the water in your system, and causing the body to sweat. Alcohol adds to the dehydration by soaking up the remaining water in the body. Residents who decide to have a couple drinks (especially when outside) should add more water into their consumption to stay safe.

“We’d like to remind people, especially with the Fourth of July coming up, if you’re going to be drinking alcohol, it will dehydrate you,” MFD firefighter Chuck Mathews said. “It can cause you to pass out or have a medical emergency. So if you are participating in some adult beverages, make sure you hydrate properly. Switch one drink for a drink of water.”

Other ways to avoid heat related health issues include wearing sunscreen, hats and sunglasses. Sunny days are beautiful, but they also bring the risks of sun burns and other health risks related to the ultraviolet rays coming from the sun. Sunscreen, hats and glasses help reduce the amount of UV rays penetrating the skin.

“We definitely recommend sunscreen,” Mathews said. “Phoenix, Arizona, and Australia have the two highest rates of skin cancer worldwide. Also, to help keep you cool, wear a hat and keep the sun off your head. Also, wear glasses to take some of that UV and glare out of your eyes (especially if you wear prescription glasses).”

Members of the MFD live these guidelines as well. Before, during and after shifts, firefighters make sure to get rest and stay hydrated. It is especially important to stay hydrated on shift so each firefighter is alert and aware while one duty.

Another precaution taken by the department when temperatures exceed 105 degrees is to send an extra engine with water and Gatorade to all working fires. Since their fire suits do not have any cooling systems inside, it is necessary for firefighters to rehydrate after dealing with the heat of the blaze and the heat outside.

Maricopa Fire personnel have resources for keeping cool in heated situations. Photo by Adam Wolfe
“We send an extra engine and a rehab unit to all working fires because it is so hot and so taxing on all the guys,” Mathews said.

The Arizona Highway Patrol Association and the Maricopa Fire Department also want to remind residents to never leave children and pets in vehicles. According to the National Weather Service, a car parked in 80 degree temperatures will heat up to 100 degrees in just 10 minutes. With temperatures reaching well over 100 degrees, cars can easily heat up to 150 degrees in just 30 minutes.

According to Battalion Chief Pantoja, the conditions inside a parked car reach dangerous levels at a rapid rate in the summer. If the fire department is called to an area where a child or pet is left unattended in a vehicle, they will break a window to retrieve the individual without hesitation.

Five tips for surviving summer heat