NORFOLK, Va. —
The hot and humid weather is not easy for many people — including firefighters.
Two Norfolk firefighters suffered heat-related illness last week battling a house fire, raising some questions about what departments are doing to keep firefighters safe.
Norfolk Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Glen Williams said implementing proper rest and hydration while on the scene is one of his team's many strategies to stay safe.
"The fire equipment that our members use, is designed to keep the heat out as when they're inside you know the temperatures are over 100° but it also doesn't let any heat out," Williams said.
According to Williams, crews will set up a rehab station in an ambulance during fires and will have air conditioning, fluids and medics on standby to access firefighters' health before they can return to work.
It’s a strategy used in Virginia Beach as well.
Deputy Chief Amy Valdez said she also uses the same process in her team's approach to fighting fires in high heat.
The Virginia Beach Fire Department also takes a multilayered approach by collaborating with the city's public safety wellness coordinator to educate recruits.
“We educate from the very start," said Public Safety Wellness Coordinator, Aaron McKissick. "How [the fire suit is] going to hold heat, how it's going to affect your body, your mindset, and everything, and teach you how to rehydrate yourself.”
According to McKissock, training starts at the academy and is reinforced throughout a firefighter's career.
Both, McKissick and Valdez, said the training has already saved lives.
McKissick said he hopes the program expands to other cities and first responders in the Commonwealth.
"We're trying to get on the preventative side rather than the reactive side, which helps us all and allows us to be better police officers, firemen, sheriffs."
