EMSA Paramedics Beat OK Heat With 'Cooling Towels'

Despite the nice rain, right now we're under an Ozone Alert and the heat will be back before we know it. In fact, 21 counties are under burn bans.

7/9/2012 Related Story: 21 Oklahoma Counties Under A Burn Ban

If you have to work outside, it's not easy that's especially true for EMSA. Paramedics are staying safe with new Cooling Towels.

EMSA just got 575 of these cooling towels, they say it's a cheap and easy way to stay cool while they save lives.

"If we get caught in a large scale scene they could be out in the direct sunlight for hours," Paramedic John Graham gave an example of when he'd need the cooling towels.

The first responders are no good at saving lives in this heat if they are overheated.

7/9/2012 Related Story: EMSA Issues Second Heat Alert Of Summer In 2012

"You can wrap around your neck, it's cold and the medics are happy to have one," Graham said. "It's a simple thing that can give us a tremendous amount of relief."

EMSA will split the neck wraps between Oklahoma City and Tulsa responders, so they can save lives without risking their own. They cool the body down a few degrees but EMSA uses different methods on patient's.

"We have other things we do to treat patients," he said. "We use ice packs on patients, these are for medics, but if the need arises we'll certainly use them on patients first."

All you do is fill these suckers up with water and wring them out, place them around your neck for some cool relief.

They cost around $6 dollars and Kelly Ogle says you can get them at the golf shop. EMSA says you can use a towel and get similar effects.