July 23, 2003

PRESS RELEASE
To: Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Asst. to the Fire Chief
Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Fire Department Implements Operation "Cool Down"

Fire Department prepares to combat summer heat related injuries . . .

With temperatures steadily climbing into the mid 90's, the Shreveport Fire Department has implemented their summer time medical program "Operation Cool Down," to combat anticipated the hot and humid conditions that lie ahead. The program, run through the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) branch of the department is designed to provide relief for those patients who find themselves suffering from a heat related emergency such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
The operation consists of providing the department's eight medic units (ambulances) with 12-volt coolers that house ice, two bags of cooled IV solution, and four 16-ounce bottles of Gatoraid. These resources provide paramedics several options to cool off an over heated patient. Unfortunately, many victims do not consider heat-related emergencies to be serious until it is to late. Heat cramp and heat exhaustion victims should be treated and discouraged from returning to their previous activities until fully recovered. Otherwise the conditions will likely worsen.
You can take some steps to avoid experiencing these kinds of emergencies: condition yourself adequately before engaging in heavy exercise in the heat; drink plenty of liquids before any outdoor activity and maintain adequate hydration; consume electrolyte rich beverages (Gatoraid) prior to activity; pace yourself and if you start to feel weak, stop, rest, and rehydrate. Additional information of heat related medical emergencies and safety tips can be viewed on the Shreveport Fire Department’s Web site at shreveportfire.org . ###