"SUNLAND PARK, N.M. — It’s a relatively quiet — and hot — afternoon at Sunland Park’s Fire Department Station 1.

Some firefighters working the shift are prepping for dinner. Others are doing office work.

Suddenly, a loud radio call blasts through the station’s speakers.

“I think it’s going to be a female subject, possibly undocumented,” a female dispatcher says.

Four firefighters rush to get ready, which includes loading ice into a cooler. The ice is essential — it's used to lower the body temperature of someone in distress from extreme heat. "

Sergio Martínez-Beltrán reports for NPR July 8, 2024. [2]