By Delivrine Registre - bio | email
ALBANY, GA (WALB) - Firefighters drenched in sweat lay on the pavement trying to pace themselves as they work to take down massive flames.
"It's got to be over 100 degrees because I know it is hot inside this coat, and we have been in it a long time," said Captain Martin Leverett.
And its because of this that they work together to make sure no one becomes a victim of a heat related illness.
"We've actually called in extra trucks. And we are bring them in and are swapping the people out. And we have an officer here for rehab. He is making sure everyone has plenty to drink," said Leverett.
Paramedics say these are the same precautions everyone needs to take.
"You need to wear light clothing, stay out of the heat as much as possible, and take frequent breaks when you are exposed to the heat," said Dougherty County Paramedic, Luis Vazquez.
But firefighters are not able to do this because of the nature of their job.
"They are more prone to that type of thing because of the bulky clothing they wear which basically insulates their body and causes more perspiration," said Vazquez.
Heat exhaustion can lead to a heat stroke if it is not treated aggressively and quickly.
"Dry skin, you stop sweating and your body loses the ability to cool itself. Sometimes head aches, nausea and vomiting in sue," said Vazquez.
Heat strokes can eventually lead to death which is why firefighters make sure to have each others backs.
"EMS is on the scene and they are providing cool water and cool rags to help keep the guys cool," said Leverett.
"They pretty much police themselves. We just provide support in case they do get overheated," said Vazquez.
They work together to make sure that the only thing that gets taken down on the scene are the flames.
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