'The heat is on' at McConnell

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Victor J. Caputo
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Summer has finally arrived and so has the time for Airmen and their families to remember to stay cool and hydrated to avoid heat-related injuries.

According to Air Force Pamphlet 48-152, staying hydrated is one of the most important ways to combat heat stress. A lack of water in the body makes one much more susceptible to injuries such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

It is also imperative that consumption of alcohol and caffeine is kept to a minimum. These two ingredients dehydrate the body at a faster pace than a soda or beer replenishes the body water content, said Steve Hagler, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Ground Safety ground safety technician.

"Drink plenty of fluids," said Hagler. "[Sports drinks] will help replace electrolytes, and drinking water won't necessarily replace it, but is better than caffeine, which will dehydrate you."

When out in the heat, supervisors and workers must both monitor all personnel and also approach the work itself with caution, said Hagler.

When working with heavy equipment and performing labor-intensive tasks, Airmen should remember to pace themselves in high temperatures.
One safety tool available for everyone on base is the heat flag system. Depending on the temperature, a different color - green, yellow, red, or black - is put out so Airmen and civilians on base have a quick way to reference the heat conditions, said Airman 1st Class Shakira Jackson, 22nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron bioenvironmental engineering technician.

"Black flag is the highest level flag, for temperatures above 90 F," said Jackson. "All but essential activity outside is advised against, and one quart of water per hour is the recommended hydration level."

Those working in the heat should keep out for signs of heat exhaustion including:
· Headache
· Nausea
· Heavy sweating
· Intense thirst
· Loss of appetite
· Anxiety
· Tingling of the extremities

Signs of heat stroke include:
· High body temperature (103 F or higher)
· Distinct absence of sweating
· Hot red or flushed dry skin
· Rapid pulse
· Difficulty breathing
· Confusion
· High blood pressure
· Any sign of heat exhaustion but more severe

More information on heat stress control can be found in AFP 48-152.