Lincoln Fire and Rescue adding medic unit to respond to heat emergency calls

The heat wave currently hitting the Midwest has prompted Lincoln Fire and Rescue to add additional medical staff to field calls dealing with heat emergencies.

“Anytime that the temperature changes this dramatically, we just assume or gear up to have an increase in call volume,” said Nancy Crist, Public Information Officer, Lincoln Fire and Rescue.

With the weekend weather forecast calling for a heat index north of 110 degrees, fire officials say they are well aware that people are still going to be outside, so they are preparing just in case.

“We’ve got a lot of festivals and things happening in Lincoln this weekend, the Cornhusker State Games kick off tonight and there is a zoo festival downtown. So we just encourage people to watch alcohol intake and increase the other types of fluids,” said Crist.

LFR brings an AIR–14 bus out to medic calls.

Inside, you’ll find coolers stocked with ice cold water and Gatorade.

“We have a rehab bus that we can actually bring to a scene, and we can fire it up, and it’s got water and Gatorade and air conditioning capabilities,” said Crist.

Heat exhaustion can stem from water or salt depletion.

The best thing you can do if you know you’re going to be outside is to hydrate often and take breaks from the heat, finding a cool or shady spot to rest.

If a structure fire is called in, LFR will make sure to rotate firefighters more frequently, and the AIR–14 bus will make its way over to provide hydration and air conditioning if someone needs it.

Fire officials say, if you’re not sure whether or not someone needs medical attention, call early, and get the person out of the heat.

Crews will be ready to go if necessary.