How Ariz. Police, Firefighters Stay Cool

PHOENIX - Friday, nine police officers had to be treated by paramedics during a 2-hour standoff under the hot sun. As we head into the weekend, police and firefighters explain how they stay cool and safe when the mercury rises.

When it gets this hot, firefighters roll out their "rehab unit." It's basically a truck designed to keep their people from falling victim to the heat.

"We are dealing with extremes and everyone is different. When you are working at that level you have got to be ready. You have got to have a system in place," says Mesa firefighter David Potter.

When someone comes in, they remove their heavy gear and their boots. Then they get their vital signs checked -- heart rate and temperature. After that, it's off to the tent where plenty of water and food is waiting.

To cool them off even faster, they stick their arms in buckets of icy water.

"They are finding great results on getting immediate cooling to the core temp, your body core. We do it for a minute."

If it gets serious, they will get an IV put in. Friday, they used a bunch of them.

During the hot summer months, the rehab units are used much more often. Authorities don't want to take any chances on their men.