PHOENIX — As temperatures continue to stay in the upper 90s and let's face it—start to hit triple digits and stay there—it's vital to make sure you stay hydrated. Construction crews especially need to take extra caution when working long hours on job sites. That's why many companies like Canyon State Electric are introducing a new tool used to ward off dehydration.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Unidad móvil ayuda a quienes trabajan en la intemperie a mantenerse hidratados
Nurses like David Esch will tell you that IV treatments are typically used to kick a nasty hangover, maybe an illness or even ease exhaustion but now, nurses are making the rounds at construction sites to keep the crew hydrated and safe.
"This time of year, as it's starting to heat up and there's a lot of people out working in the heat, we get a number of calls," Esch explained. "The general resting heart rate is like 60/100. As you dehydrate, your blood pressure might drop and your heart rate might go up. Our basic go-to is a Myers cocktail: Vitamin C, B complex, B12 for energy."
He's worked out of his car helping people with heat exhaustion for more than six years. He told 12News the body can handle 3 to 5 percent dehydration but beyond that, a lack of fluids will cause a light headache, nausea, and fatigue.
Workers like Ty tell us, that while the hours are adjusted to beat the heat, other precautions are in place to ease the hot temperatures.
"Usually, we take breaks, and they always give us popsicles and ice cream, basically whatever we need to really beat the heat," Ty added.
By 2026, Arizona will need nearly 200,000 trade workers like Ty to meet new developments. Vince Diguglielmo with C.S.E. said they oversee more than 15 job sites and over 40 sites for fire alarm installation. With that demand comes the vital need to keep employee’s vitals in check.
"We are starting them with basics like camelbacks, access to shade, plenty of electrolytes, and of course mobile IVs, if they get to that point, they then go home for the day to rest," Diguglielmo said.
Ultimately, be sure to drink plenty of water, grab some shade when you can, and take frequent breaks to stay safe in our summer heat.
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