Drill Changes and Heat
We recently had a quarterly E-Team drill day. Due to heat conditions, we removed turnout gear from the responders at our 9 AM and our 3:30 PM drill we tabletopped.
Some comments were made that we didn’t drill like a real emergency given the changes. I understand that and get it. With WBGT values of 94 and up (not even talking about turnout gear adjustment yet), it is something that is not worth the safety of our responders just to drill. Unfortunately, a young firefighter in Arizona recently passed away after suffering heat illness during a training exercise. It can and does happen.
Consider this too, if you drill all the way just because you want to despite the heat, what happens to your folks if just after a drill the real call happens.
Nobody can plan for multiple calls in a given day, it’s out of our hands. But what we can plan for, we do. When we get to take control, we do. Be wise and sensible. Go for drill realism, but use your head and be willing to make the call when you have the to.
Comments (1)
Jed, you did practice like it was realistic. If "the event" had occurred on that day, you simply would have added even more additional planning for handling the physical hazard of HEAT! A formal work rest schedule, maybe some physiological monitoring, etc. This is a great way to ensure you have a written "Heat Prevention Plan" for this condition. Did you check hydration supplies, cooling vests, etc. Then maybe add that into the After Action IR 😁👷♀️🤗