Fire officials stress the importance of taking proper precautions in the heat
SALT LAKE CITY () — From spending the day in the sun to hiking and working up a sweat in hot temperatures, fire officials emphasize the importance of taking proper safety precautions in the heat.
As temperatures continue to rise each summer, first responders say awareness and prevention are more important than ever. Whether it's a hike in the mountains or an afternoon in the sun, the risk for heat-related illness climbs as the temperature climbs.
'Heat exposure and people just being tired from being out in the environment is what we mostly see,' Jahn Davis, Paramedic with Unified Fire Authority said.
In the last five years, 47 Utahns have died from heat-related illnesses, including dehydration and heat stroke, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services says.
'Getting dehydrated is easy to do in these hot summer months so the key thing we want to focus on is what was that person doing before we got there,' Davis said.
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Davis, a paramedic for Unified Fire Authority, shared how they treat heat-related calls, saying every second counts.
'We'll just get them in the back of the ambulance and start cooling them with air conditioning and ice packs and take some of their clothes off so they can start to cool down rapidly,' Davis said.
Unified Fire spokesperson Kelly Bird says heat illness is on a spectrum.
'If someone is exhibiting some of the symptoms of a heat emergency, get them into a cool area whether that be a shade or an air-conditioned facility. If they have extra layers of clothing on, open up their shorts or take their shoes off, or cool fluids or an ice pack on their head or their armpits,' Bird said.
There are two kinds of heat illness.
The less severe one, heat exhaustion, requires ice packs and fluids. 'Drink lots of water, always carry water with you, and don't forget sunscreen,' Bird said.
The more severe one is heat stroke, and fire officials said it can be deadly, and their treatment methods become more aggressive.
'We always treat what we see in the airway, breathing, and circulation. And we assess if there's any trauma related to being out in the environment,' Davis said.
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Davis said protocols also evolve, based on research and best practices.
'We have a medical doctor over each EMT and paramedic. They look at the research and develop treatment protocols based on what works best overall,' Davis said.
Preparation is the best defense against the heat.
'Stay hydrated, wear a hat, or bring an umbrella. We always tell hikers to have water, an extra change of clothes, and be prepared, especially if you're going into the backcountry,' Davis said.
Fire officials say never hesitate to call 911 if someone shows signs of heat illness because you just might save a life.
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