Volunteers in the Heat: Invisible Heroes Saving Lives When the sun beats down mercilessly and the air becomes thick and sticky, most of us seek refuge in the shade, under the air conditioner, or in cool water. But there are people who go out on the streets at this time — not for a walk, but to help others. They distribute water to the homeless, walk dogs whose owners cannot handle the heat, work at city beaches, and give out bottles of water to passersby. They are volunteers. They do not receive a salary for their work, they do not wait for awards and they do not seek fame. But it is they who become the very life-saving straw for those who find themselves in trouble in the heat. Who are the volunteers in the heat and why are they needed Unusually high temperatures are not just discomfort, they are an emergency situation, especially for vulnerable groups of the population. The elderly, the homeless, people with chronic diseases, small children, and pets — all of them suffer from high temperatures much more than a healthy adult. Volunteers take on the functions of social services, emergency medical services, and even psychologists in such conditions. Their work begins long before the thermometer shows critical numbers. In the spring, volunteer organizations begin preparing for the summer season: collecting donations, purchasing drinking water, negotiating with pharmacies for discounts on medicines, developing patrol routes. And when the heat comes, they go out onto the streets to make the city a little more bearable for those who cannot take care of themselves. Who do the volunteers in the heat help The main group at risk is the homeless. People without a permanent place of residence find themselves in a deadly trap in the heat. They have no way to seek shelter from the sun, no access to clean water, often no hat even. Volunteers find them at train stations, underground passages, on vacant lots, and in parks. They distribute water, wet wipes, bring light clothi ... Read more