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Important IDL Safety Message

2022-07-27

Attention! Heat Wave Has Arrived!

IMPORTANT IDL SAFETY MESSAGE

Vikki Snider Safety Officer Idaho Department of Lands 6327 Main Street Bonners Ferry, ID 83805 208-267-5577 208-446-5834 Email: vsnider@idl.idaho.gov https://www.idl.idaho.gov

Safety Topics

• Heat Wave Across Northwest
• Actions for Heat Exhaustion
• Actions for Heat Stroke
• Heat Illness Basics for Wildland Firefighters
• Heat Dangers-Warning Signs-Difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke! When to call 911.

Heat wave across Northwest!

• Weather forecasts are predicting triple digits in Idaho and across the Northwest. With Excessive Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories all over. 
• It is imperative that everyone be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, but more importantly how to avoid both conditions.
• You need to understand the differences so that appropriate action is taken, possibly medical response.
• General Information: 
  • Active muscles produce most of the body’s heat.
  • Heat illnesses include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
  • Consuming water or sports drinks does not guarantee that you won’t suffer heat illnesses.
  • The first step in any suspected heat illness is to stop working and find shade.
  • Consuming more water or fluid will not stop the problem.
  • Remember: sweat that drips off your body can't keep you cool. Sweat has to evaporate from your skin to cool you off.

BASIC ACTIONS FOR HEAT EXHAUSTION:

(See link below Heat Illness Basics for Wildland Firefighters for complete information)

• Remove the person from work, place in the shade if possible.
• Rule out muscle injury. Stretch the affected muscles.
• Massage the affected muscles.
• Check to see how much water and sports drinks they have consumed.
• If dehydration is suspected—slowly give sports drinks with electrolytes and carbohydrates.
• If too much water is suspected—slowly give salty foods to eat.

BASIC ACTIONS FOR HEAT STROKE:

(See link below Heat Illness Basics for Wildland Firefighters for complete information)

• Remove the firefighter from work.

• Place the firefighter in the shade, if possible.

• Loosen the firefighter’s clothing.

• Immerse the firefighter in water (in a stream or water tank), assuming you can do so safely.

• EVACUATE THE FIREFIGHTER IMMEDIATELY.

Heat Illness Basics for Wildand Firefighters

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