Local first responders battling extreme temperatures

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – First responders are keenly aware that temperatures are set to rise into the triple digits. On Monday, KSN News spoke with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and the Wichita Fire Department about what they’re doing to prepare.

According to Wichita Fire Captain Dan Fiel, emergency services do not have days off, and the public knows that.

“The calls don’t stop just because the heat might be a little higher than normal,” Fiel said. “People still need help, and when they call us, they expect us to show up and perform.”

Precautions are always necessary, especially when temperatures are potentially record-breaking. Firefighter Dan McElroy says that getting hydrated before temperatures rise is key to staying healthy during the line of duty.

“Once you’re actually dehydrated, it harder to catch up than it is to get ahead of it. To hydrate yourself days ahead of it,” McElroy said.

A measure echoed by the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, according to Captain Benjamin Blick.

“We encourage them to hydrate before coming on their shift. Try to avoid any caffeine drinks or high-sugary drinks,” Blick said.

Since both agencies wear heavy equipment, another shared tactic is rotating personnel.

“When you’re wearing body armor, it’s like an oven underneath this during the day,” Captain Blick said.

For larger fires that require more firefighters, the fire department may deploy their rehab bus.

“If it’s something big, like a Walmart catches on fire, it’s going to take a lot of guys. We’ll roll this with us, that way they can cool off,” Hilyard said.

Inside, you’ll find chairs, extra water, and tools to monitor O2 levels and heart rate.

The fire department responds to every fire alarm in the city with at least one paramedic. For more routine calls, both departments stress the importance of keeping an eye on fellow first responders.

According to both Captain Blick and Captain Fiel, they may not like working in the heat, but it won’t affect how well they do their jobs.

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