Firefighters battle heat exhaustion during summer months

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Just two years into his stint as a volunteer fire fighter, Joey Goltz experienced symptoms while fighting a field fire, he had never experienced before while out on a call.

"I got really light-headed, really dizzy," said Goltz. "They had to take my coat off and sat in the truck where the air conditioning was on."

Goltz said on that particular day, the temperatures were in the 90's, and it only took him about 15 minutes before the symptoms of heat exhaustion started to kick in.

Public Information Officer Kevin McCombs said it's not uncommon for firefighters to experience heat exhaustion during the hot summer months. He said that's why they reduce the amount of time firefighters are allowed to spend fighting fires, by providing them with less air bottles.

"During the normal times, usually two bottles and then you stay out for awhile, " said McCombs. "When it's this hot, with the humidity being up so high, we'll limit them to maybe one bottle."

Yet, the hot temperatures outside aren't the only place firefighters feel the heat.

McCombs said the temperature of a fire can soar more than 1,300 degrees. Inside the fire suit, temperatures can reach about 200 degrees.

McCombs said on top of the extreme amounts of heat firefighters deal with, they also have extra weight to deal with.

"The suits actually are probably close to 80 to 100 pounds of extra gear," said McCombs. "With our suit, helmet, air pack, and then whatever tools we carry."

McCombs said they do run fire scenarios in full uniform throughout the summer, so firefighters can experience what it might feel like should a fire break out in 90 degree temperatures.

Goltz said he believes training outside in full gear has helped prepare him for the upcoming summer months but, as a victim of heat exhaustion, reminds all firefighters the most important thing to do is stay hydrated at all times.

"It can happen to just about anyone pretty fast," said Goltz. "Just drink a lot of water every day. We don't know how often we're going to go out, when we're going to go out. So, definitely keep hydrated when it's going to be hot out."    

McCombs said the Wabash Township Fire Department has only experienced one case of heat exhaustion this year. He said that's a good sign, and that firefighters have done a good job of staying hydrated while out on the job.