Stay safe: Prevent heat-related illnesses

  • Published
  • By Airman Justin Shelton
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Whether you enjoy playing sports and feeling the warm outdoors, or find it hot and humid, everyone should be careful not to let a heat-related illness affect his or her health.

The body has ways of keeping itself cool, such as letting heat escape through the skin and by evaporating sweat. If the body does not cool properly or does not cool enough, then it may suffer a heat-related illness.

The base safety office advises that anyone can fall prey to a heat-related illness, although the very young and very old are at greater risk.

There are, however, some ways to prevent and prepare for heat-related illnesses while enjoying the hotter weather. Here are some tips on preventing a heat injury, provided by the Red Cross:

· A simple weather-friendly choice in clothing can help to decrease the chances of a heat-related illness.

· Wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing will reflect some of the sunlight away from the body, and not cause undue exertion that wearing heavier clothes would cause. The use of hats and umbrellas can help to provide shade for the head and face. The head releases more heat than any other part of the body and will more easily overheat first in hot sunny weather.

· Drinking water continuously throughout the day can be essential to staying hydrated. Carry an ample supply of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body and drink even when no thirst is felt.

· Eat small meals at a more frequent rate. Avoid foods high in protein. They increase metabolic heat.

· Avoiding strenuous activity is a prime way to prevent a heat-related illness. Physically intensive activity should be performed during the cooler parts of the day, usually in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. Thus, if at all possible schedule physical training sessions for early in the morning or accomplish them indoors.

The base bioenvironmental engineering flight also recommends staying attuned to the wet bulb globe temperature conditions during the day.

"The WBGT incorporates humidity as well as direct air temperature. If there is more moisture within the atmosphere then the body is under more heat stress," said Capt. Roger Lee, 22nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron.

"It's the responsibility of first-line supervisors to monitor the conditions Airmen under their care are exposed to, in order to prevent heat injuries," said Capt. Roger Lee, 22nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron.

Here are some tips that can be found within the Airman's Manual about heat-related illnesses:

· There are signs of heat-related illnesses to be on the lookout for. A dehydrated person will typically have a normal body temperature, but may have symptoms such as a dry mouth; skin may be turgid, and they may have headaches and or dizziness.

· A person suffering from heat exhaustion has all the same symptoms of dehydration except for skin turgor. They may also have nausea, muscle cramps and spasms, overall weakness, and the victim may or may not be sweating.

· An individual suffering from heat stroke will have a red tinted face and/or skin, the individual's body temperature and skin will be hot, and they may or may not be sweating. Most victims of a heat stroke will either have an altered mental state, a loss of consciousness, or a sudden collapse. It is imperative heat stroke victims receive immediate medical attention.

· If you recognize that someone is showing the signs of a heat-related illness, stop activity; remove them from the hot environment, if possible; ensure they slowly drink water (unless undergoing a heat stroke), and if their condition worsens or fails to improve, seek medical attention.

For more information on the WBGT or heat injuries call the bioenvironmental engineering flight at 316-759-5104