Inspection Detail

Inspection: 314327735 - State Of California, Calfire

Inspection Information - Office: American Canyon District Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 10:53 a.m. on June 22, 2011, Employee #1, of the State of California, Department of Forestry and Fire Protection d.b.a. Cal Fire, was part of a crew of 15 that was participating in a Cal Fire readiness training exercise which was designed to evaluate the preparedness of the crew. The four mile hike started at approximately 10:30 a.m. and Employee #1 collapsed 23 minutes into the hike after covering approximately 1 mile covering relatively steep terrain. Employee #1 recalls feeling dizzy and sat down in recognition of heat illness symptoms. He further recalled having had plenty of water to drink and he had drunk about half a quart during the portion of the hike before he passed out. Employee #1 also stated that it was important to be well hydrated and not to drink coffee to the excess as it impacts one's ability to stay hydrated. His employer stated Employee #1 may have had too much coffee for breakfast. Employee #1 was airlifted to Queen of the Valley in Napa, CA, where he was treated for dehydration and released within approximately 3 hours of arrival.

Keywords: HEAT, DIZZINESS, HEAT EXHAUSTION