By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. — With an extreme heat warning in effect through the next few days, local fire districts are working to keep crews prepared to respond to medical emergencies and fires in the heat.
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The Northwest Fire District and Golder Ranch Fire District said firefighter safety is a priority as crews respond to heat-related calls.
“We’re not functional as a firefighting unit to respond to any calls if we’re not ready,” said Scott Peru, Northwest Fire District captain and safety officer.
Peru said Northwest Fire crews prepare by rehydrating throughout the day, maintaining physical fitness, and watching for symptoms of heat illness.
From May to September, Northwest Fire uses “summer dispatching,” which involves sending an additional engine to structure fires and other emergencies.
“It helps the incident commander, being able to rely on an extra engine company to come and cycle the crews out,” Peru said.
Golder Ranch Fire District also said crews focus on being ready to respond in high heat.
“We are the ones that people count on to help them when they’re in a bad situation, and if we become part of the problem, then people have to come save us,” said Jeremy Hilderbrand, Golder Ranch Fire District deputy chief and EMS.
In April, Golder Ranch began keeping cooling sheets in all of its ambulances. The sheets are blankets used to wrap patients and cool them down before they get to the hospital.
“What we’re finding is that when we do get to use it, the patient’s outcome is always better,” Hilderbrand said.
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Both districts said they are also focused on preventing people, including firefighters, from being overwhelmed by the heat.
“It’s very taxing on our firefighters when they have to go rescue someone because they weren’t prepared and they didn’t understand what the weather’s like here in Arizona,” Peru said.
Hilderbrand said firefighters understand the responsibility that comes with the job.
“We understand the responsibility of being firefighters, so we do everything that we can to prepare, so when the time comes, we’re always ready,” Hilderbrand said.
First responders said people should stay inside during peak hours when possible, hydrate, and call 911 if they feel uneasy in the heat.
According to the 13 News First Alert Weather Team, there is an Extreme Heat Warning through Thursday, and we will see highs nearing 111 degrees.
You can check our forecast anytime with our free weather app for Apple and Android devices.
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