CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- The Chesterfield Fire Department uses the Medical Services Unit (MSU) on extremely hot days to help firefighters stay cool and hydrated.
The MSU is a big, air conditioned bus that has all of the capabilities of an ambulance.
The unit is sent out when fire crews get called to fight a fire.
The bus is large and it's cool inside. It also has water and Gatorade to keep firefighters hydrated.
A canopy can create shade in an open area.
Chesterfield Fire and EMS spokesman Lt. Jason Elmore said the bus can be life-saving for firefighters who wear all of that heavy gear and equipment that retains heat.
"Their body temperature rises quickly when they're fighting the fire and for them to have a spot to come out instead of just in the front yard where it's 110 degrees outside. It helps them continue to work throughout the incident," Elmore said.
Another cool feature on the unit are chairs that can hold ice water so firefighters can dunk their arms and cool off.
Chesterfield fire crews have been using the MSU the last few days.
