Firefighters and High Temperatures

Firefighters must take care to stay hydrated in high temperatures, such as the 97 degrees expected today in the Denver Metro area. If not properly rehabilitated after work in a burning structure or on a hot highway, firefighters' outside body temperatures can reach 104 degrees, a condition akin to a high-grade fever. Heat takes a lot of the energy away from your body, draining the energy of the firefighter much faster. Firefighters face issues of high temperatures while working in a burning structure, on the wildland fire line, and while working on the highway. To combat the effects of working in high temperatures while wearing protective gear, fire officials may shorten rotations while working in hot environments, getting firefighters into what they call rehab -- an opportunity for firefighters to cool down and re-hydrate -- much quicker. Averaging 30 minutes on a rotation during cooler temperatures, firefighters may be limited to 15-minute periods in hot ambient temperatures. During rehab, when firefighters shed some of their protective gear, they drink both water and Gatorade and may have snacks. We want them to drink both to restore fluids, electrolytes, and the sugars they burn up. Firefightes must replenish the normal function of the body, which water is the best thing for dehydration. Besides the energy they're burning doing the job, their bodies' are working overtime and trying to keep cool so you have to combat dehydration and hyperthermia in multiple ways.