In sweltering heat, Chesapeake firefighters don as much as 75 pounds of gear, making their job even more strenuous. The Chesapeake Fire Department has implemented a specialized rehab unit to help keep these first responders cool and safe while on the job.
EMT Isiah Harper, who joined the fire department to be part of something larger than a traditional desk job, highlighted the challenges firefighters face during heat waves. “A lot of people think our equipment or uniforms have air conditioning or some kind of cooling aspect to it. Unfortunately, it doesn’t; it retains the heat,” he said.
The newly introduced rehab unit, which resembles a large van, is equipped with air conditioning and a variety of essential supplies, serving as a recharging station for fatigued firefighters. Inside, responders can find emergency blankets, snacks, cold drinks, and critical medical equipment for monitoring vital signs…