100 pounds of gear, brutal heat: How LI first responders are staying safe during the heat wave
Fire officials say frequent breaks and calling in mutual aid from neighboring departments help reduce the risk of heat exhaustion while keeping crews ready for the next emergency.
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As extreme heat grips Long Island, first responders are facing dangerous conditions while continuing to answer emergency calls.
For firefighters, the heat challenge goes beyond soaring outdoor temperatures.
“Sometimes our firefighters are carrying close to an extra 100 pounds with them beyond their regular body weight,” said Kyle O’Brien, assistant fire chief with the Valley Stream Fire Department.
Fire officials say frequent breaks and calling in mutual aid from neighboring departments help reduce the risk of heat exhaustion while keeping crews ready for the next emergency.
At Northwell Health’s Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, paramedics and EMTs showed News 12 the supplies they rely on when responding to heat-related emergencies, including ice packs and extra water.
Their ambulances also remain running with air conditioning blasting to help crews stay cool between calls.
“We’re out here for minimum 12 hours usually, so I bring extra water, I bring extra ice,” said paramedic Aidan Stutzmann. “We just make sure that we’re hydrating all day. Four or five bottles of water is really, really important for us and for anybody else who’s working outside.”
The intense heat was put to the test Wednesday during a chemical exposure incident in Freeport, where first responders worked for hours in challenging conditions.
With dangerously high temperatures expected to continue through the week, first responders say preparation, hydration and teamwork remain essential — helping keep them safe so they can continue protecting others.
