Heat Stress

Protecting Fire Fighters Health & Safety

You Will Learn…

What is heat stress?What causes heat stress?How to recognize symptoms?How to protect your employees?

What Is Heat Stress?

Body unable to cool itself

Internal temperature fails

Heat induced illness

Heat Cramps

Heat Exhaustion

Heat Stoke

Who Does It Affect?

FirefightersEmployersFamiliesCommunities

Recognize the Signs

Hot dry skinConfusion

Severe thirstNauseaFatigue

ConvulsionsUnconscious

What To Do If It Happens?

Call 911Lie downRemove clothing

Cool with waterBe prepared to

perform CPR

How Can You Reduce the Risk?

Regulate exposurePrevent dehydrationPersonal protective equipmentProvide training

Rehabilitation….

What Is Your Responsibility?

Implement rehabilitation programpursuant to NFPA 1584

Rehabilitation 1584

Climactic conditions reliefRest & recoveryCooling & re-warmingRe-hydration & electrolyte

replacementMedical monitoring & EMS treatmentMember accountability & release

Possible Liability

Lawsuits stemming from injury & death

Benefits

Protect firefightersSave LivesProtection against liabilityMaximize cumulative work timesIts the right thing to do!

Summary