Its Getting Hot, Are you getting Hydrated ?

Just a little bit ago I was doing chores around the house, and I realized how hot its getting. Its that time again gang. Tempratures are rising ! Of course when you add the physical activity, and protective equipment that go along with our line of work it gets even worse. By the way, many of us are firefighters. As we all know fires get hot all by themselves. It is just for these reasons that my department carries ice water on our engines year round !

But are you remembering to stay hydrated ? When you come off line to exchange air bottles etc. are you taking a minute to grab a bottle of water ? You should ! It all goes back to what I call the first rule of rescuers "You can't save anybody, if you yourself go down." Water is essential for your body to function properly. If you don't stay properly hydrated you will be more likely to suffer from heatstroke among other conditions. Your mental functions can become impaired, your strength and stamina will be reduced.

More directly from a chaplain's standpoint you will be less able to deal with the traumatic stress that comes with any emergency incident. Dehydration puts an enormous amount of stress on your physical system. Physical stress and emotional stress both contribute to the total stress load that your body is trying to handle. If you are dehydrated then physical stress is taking up a higher percentage of your total stress capacity, leaving less for any mental or emotional stress that you may be under.

Especially here in the hotter months be sure to keep lots of ice and water handy. Be sure when you are in firefighter rehab to get some fluids (water or sports drinks.) in you. Also be sure to watch your team mates as cose as ever. remind them to take a big regular drink of water as well. You'll all be stronger longer, think better and be less stressed because of it.