Forest Firefighter Suffers Severe Cramp & Collapses, During Operation in Kanchanaburi

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

A forest firefighter was rushed to hospital after suffering severe cramps, that left him unable to move and leading to him collapsing. 

 

The incident occurred while he was battling a wildfire near the Vajiralongkorn Dam in Kanchanaburi. The Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has expressed concern and ordered close monitoring of his condition, in hospital.

 

At approximately 14:00 on 24 March, Nopphan Khetphut, head of Forest Protection Unit KJ.4 (Ulom) and the Thong Pha Phum Forest Protection and Development Unit, reported that a firefighter from the support team for wildfire control in Tha Khanun subdistrict suffered a serious muscle cramp while carrying out operations on a mountainside opposite the dam. The cramp, which started in his abdomen and spread to his legs, rendered him immobile.

 

The emergency occurred after the firefighter had been working in the field since 08:30, battling the wildfire in extreme conditions. Fellow team members quickly called for assistance from local rescue services, including the Kanchanaburi Rescue Unit (Thong Pha Phum division), the Boonwipa Rescue Base, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation in Thong Pha Phum District, and medical personnel from Vajiralongkorn Dam. Rescuers managed to extract the injured firefighter from the hazard zone and transport him safely to Thong Pha Phum Hospital.

 

Following the incident, Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, expressed his deep concern for the firefighter’s well-being. He has instructed supervisors to monitor his recovery closely and has extended his support to all frontline personnel who continue to work under demanding and dangerous conditions. He also emphasised the need for strict safety measures and closer oversight to protect the health and safety of those involved in firefighting operations.

 

This incident highlights the immense risks faced by wildfire suppression teams, particularly during the dry season, when wildfires are more frequent. Firefighters must contend with intense heat, toxic smoke, dehydration, exhaustion, and the physical strain of carrying heavy equipment up steep terrain. They also face dangers from fast-moving fires, all while operating in remote areas with limited access to medical assistance.

 

Authorities continue to stress the importance of firefighter safety, as they work tirelessly to protect Thailand’s forests and natural resources from the devastating impact of wildfires.

 

-- 2025-03-25

 

[watchcat]

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

A forest firefighter was rushed to hospital after suffering severe cramps, that left him unable to move and leading to him collapsing. 

 

Lack of water ?

[Tropicalevo]

1 hour ago, watchcat said:

 

Lack of water ?

 

And possibly salt.

I am on a 'salt free' diet and get cramp regularly. Luckily, not that frequently.

An electrolyte drink puts it right - until the next attack.