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by the NFCC

Control measure

Prevent and manage heat illness in personnel

Control measure knowledge

If heat illness is suspected, medical advice should be sought. 

The effects of heat stress can be prevented or managed by: 

  • Moving the person to a cool environment 
  • Removing personal protective equipment (PPE) 
  • Providing external cooling 
  • Rehydration by drinking cool, still water 

Faints (syncope) may be prevented if the person lies down with their legs raised above the level of their head. 

Refer to National Operational Guidance: Performing rescues – Failure to assess, identify and treat life-threatening problems of the casualty 

Strategic actions

Fire and rescue services should:
  • Ensure that personnel have access to the means for preventing or managing heat illness 

Tactical actions

Incident commanders should:
  • Request medical advice if heat illness is suspected 

  • Provide personnel with the means to prevent and manage heat illness