Central Jackson County Fire Protection crews worked in 120 to 130-degree temperatures to rescue a worker from a water tower in Grain Valley Wednesday.

Assistant Chief Gene Gould said CJC received a call about 2:15 p.m. about a worker experiencing medical problems on top of the tower.

When they arrived, crews gave him medical care and called in help from a specialized rescue team trained in high-angle rescue.

At 137 feet, the rescue required the use of ropes and safety harnesses. Gould said temperatures on top of the tower exceeded 120 degrees.

In order to prevent rescuers from feeling the effects of the heat, Gould said, they brought cool towels and vests with them.

"One thing we try to do before we even come to work is take in lots of water," Gould said. "Hydration this time of year is important to anyone."

No one on the rescue team suffered injuries, and the worker was taken by air ambulance to an area hospital. Gould said the man was stable inside the helicopter but did not know about his condition this morning.

Reach Stephanie Boothe at stephanie.boothe@examiner.net or 816-350-6392.