Kirtland pararescue team learns how to beat the heat

With temperatures nearing 100 degrees for New Mexico, little rain in sight and expected weather advisories statewide,

Kirtland Air Force Base pararescuemen are training to save civilians and military personnel from the oppressive heat.

Military pararescue units do search and rescue missions and treat injured military personnel. They are required to go through the same technical training as EMT paramedics along with specialized training.

Through a rigorous medical program that starts from the first day of basic training, pararescuemen are trained to learn how to identify weather-related afflictions for civilians and how to monitor themselves to ensure their bodies are regulating through the temperature.

“We supply them with a self-analysis dehydration kit,” said Individual Skills Flight Chief Jeffrey Swenson. “They also wear sweat patches that identify your sweat levels. Sweating makes you lose electrolytes faster, so it’s important to identify that so you can hydrate yourself more and get the electrolytes back.”

Other parts of pararescue training include a 40-foot rock climbing wall, which the group uses to conduct cliff climbing and lost hiker rescue situations. On this tower, the group also practices methods for rappelling from helicopters.

Swenson said that because New Mexico is such a hot spot for outdoor activities, the team needs to be ready for rescues in all terrain. Because of this, every member of the pararescue team has to be a proficient swimmer and certified in scuba diving and skydiving.

“A lot of people here are active outdoors, and this training translates to that,” he said. “Learning how to understand the heat and environment and how that can affect hydration is important.”

Pararescue men lined up outside the pararescue and combat rescue officer schoolhouse, also known as the Apprentice Course schoolhouse, in 100-degree weather recently for their end-of-day workouts.

According to Swenson, the group had just finished a written test and needed to keep their bodies prepared for upcoming workouts, especially because recruits need to learn how to endure strenuous physical activity while being in the heat.

He also said that the group has to stay fit, which “helps acclimate you to heat,” Swenson said. “Less tissue means it’s a lot easier to cool down.”

The group went through typical workouts including pushups, situps and crunches while sprayed with water by Tech. Sgts. Ramirez and Molden in an attempt to keep recruits focused and cool during the heat.

“Sometimes we want them (recruits) to be hot in case they have to experience this out in the field,” Molden said. “This helps train them for high stress moments.”

The group was provided electrolyte drinks to encourage hydration and a cooler filled with ice sat on a picnic table in case somebody experienced heat sickness and needed to cool down quickly.

On days when the group endures physical training, Swenson will warn them to hydrate 24 hours in advance to thoroughly prepare their bodies for the following day.

“You can’t ever play catch-up with hydration,” he said.