How local fire departments are working through the bitter cold

GREENFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) – First responders are hard at work during the cold weather.

As they keep the public safe, it’s also important for them to make sure they are staying warm while doing their job.

“We have to prepare for ourselves, we wear extra layers,” Greenfield Firefighter and paramedic Devin Shade said. “We want to make things quicker for our patients so the transition from their house to our ambulance is as warm as possible.”

The department is bringing an extra SUV to scenes during the deep freeze as a way to help first responders stay warm as they assist patients.

Shade said the department also has more people on staff to help during the frigid temperatures.