In addition to the extraordinarily hot temperatures Fire & Rescue personnel must deal with, fire-protective clothing traps in body heat, effectively eliminating the effectiveness of sweat’s cooling effects. This causes the body to attempt to compensate by releasing dramatically large amounts of sweat. According to one study, firefighters lose up to five times as much water as athletes in a given period of time.

Sweat is made of more than just water, and Fire & Rescue personnel have to replace a spectrum of electrolytes as well, including sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. SaltStick is designed to replace all of these lost electrolytes, in a form the body can easily absorb, which makes it easier to stay hydrated and — more importantly — to stay safe.

The average person’s sweat contains about 1,000 mg sodium/liter, but a typical sports drink contains 440 mg sodium/liter. If, during the course of activity, you consume nothing but sports drinks (or worse, water), you could become hyponatremic at some point. Hyponatremia is a medical condition marked by low blood sodium levels, which can lead to nausea, fatigue, cramping, vomiting, weakness, sleepiness, and in rare severe cases, loss of consciousness. Many sports drinks also do not include other key electrolytes, which could lead to further cramping and muscle issues.

SaltStick helps maintain performance by replacing a full spectrum of electrolytes lost through sweat, in a form and quantity the body can absorb.  

Learn more about the science behind SaltStick. 

“The daily heat stress firefighters endure puts them at risk for heat exhaustion. I always keep a SaltStick Dispenser in my firefighter gear to incorporate with water and energy drinks.” — SaltStick partner Brian Hackenburg.

Learn more about how SaltStick can help keep Fire & Rescue personnel hydrated by reading the following blog posts: