In the mining industry, personnel face real risks of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, but there is often an over-reliance on hydration as the main solution. Hydration alone does not fully mitigate heat-related incidents (HRIs), especially for those working in extreme conditions. An article published in Wilderness & Environmental Medicine highlights a critical issue: while proper hydration is important, it may have given the worker over-confidence in his ability to handle heat stress. Despite staying hydrated, he still suffered heat stroke, indicating that hydration alone was not enough, and other measures should have been in place. Article here: lnkd.in/... This is especially relevant for emergency response teams on mine sites, whether on surface or underground, are exposed to high environmental heat— often made worse by the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Hydration, though crucial, should not provide a false sense of security when other factors, like cooling strategies and managing core body temperature, are equally, if not more, important. Matt Brearley, known as the "Heat Guy" from Thermal Hyperformance, has long advocated for a more comprehensive approach to managing heat risk, particularly in high-risk environments like mine sites. Emergency responders must be equipped with knowledge and strategies beyond hydration, including regular cooling breaks, and quick effective strategies for cooling inside and out to prevent heat stress and protect lives.