Cold Weather Operations

Article by Dr.James Augustine
Medical Director
Atlanta Fire-Rescue

Cold weather, especially when mixed with precipitation, can create some of the most dangerous firefighting conditions.

I can remember fighting an apartment fire one frostbitten day where the firefighters were covered in ice in the first minute of operations, and almost begged to let the fire burn for a few minutes so that their gear could thaw!

Cold weather operations produce the need for wind shelter, relatively smaller amounts of fluid, more calories, and thawing heaters for gear.

Also, it is very important to remember that rehabilitation must be located away from vehicle exhaust.

Points to consider during cold weather operations:

• Health evaluation at prolonged incidents should include frostbite checks.
• Key pieces of equipment may include dry socks and boots.
• Walking areas around the fire scene must have a continual evaluation for ice.
• Slips and falls are a high risk, with a real potential for broken limbs and severely injured backs.
• Salt and sand for firefighter walking areas are critical, including the areas around the apparatus where the operators are working, to avoid those injuries.