Heat Wave!!

Know I know the whole west coast is dealing with this ridiculous heat wave. I tell you, there is nothing worse than a car accident, in 100 degree weather, clad in navy blue head to toe and staning on the hot asphalt for an hour. Our company was nice enough to but these neat vests. They work great. You simply put the core in the freezer and on your way out the door, you strap this bad boy on and stay cool for hours. Plus, someone might think you have a bullet proof vest on and think twice before trying to shoot you (probably not though). Here is the link to the ones we use. Cool Vest

Though this is the brand we use, there are many products out there. They are well worth the money of keeping yourself, or your crews, cool.

Here is our freezer full of cool packs. and they make great ice backs when you hurt your back too!

Some more tips to staying cool.
1. Remove Grandma from her house ASAP. Do not work on her inside where she proabably still has the heater running full blast. Although I kid, please remeber that elderly cannot regualte body temperature as well as their younger counterparts. You really do need to get them and you out of the hot stuffy house and into a controlled enviroment.

2. FLUID RESUSCITATION! It is not just for your patients. Not sure how your company feels about you using IV's on yourself, but mine thinks it is stealing. But if you have an easy going boss, a cool bag of saline will perk you right up. If all else fails, drink some water.

3. Most companies have a "inclament weather" policy. While this is usually thought of as snow and ice issues, you may be able to make your case for wearing non uniform attire at the station (if you are lucky enough to have a station) between calls to cool off.

4. For your safety and your patients, don't overdo and utilize helo. Make sure you switch out your CPR guy every two minutes, get an extra hand with the gurney and call fire to help. You are all on the same team and the more people, the quicker and cooler the job will get done.

5. Keep an ice chest of water in the amblance. Even if it isjust enough for one two bottles or an otter pop or two!

Stay safe and Stay Cool my friends.

Please take a moment to remember our fallen brothers in Arizona today.