Battling summer heat

  • Published
  • By Airman Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Summer has arrived and with more Airmen outdoors, the sun's rays pose an unseen threat to Airmen.

This threat comes in the form of heat stress, which is thermal stress applied to the body through environmental factors. According to the 22nd Air Refueling Wing ground safety office, from 1979-2003, excessive heat exposure has caused more than 8,000 deaths in the United States.

"Understanding the dangers of heat stress can help Airmen prevent themselves or their wingmen from suffering from a serious injury or a possible fatality," said Staff Sgt. Latrica Davis, 22nd Air Refueling Wing ground safety technician. "When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you."

The body's exact response to these environmental conditions depends on factors such as weight, physical fitness, age, alcohol consumption and acclimatization to the weather.

"These factors determine reactions while working outside in hot conditions, and it can be useful to learn other precautions to stay healthy and fit to fight," said Airman 1st Class Chavette L. Hillard, 22nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron bioenvironmental engineering apprentice.

In addition, heat stress can cause Airmen to suffer from heat stroke, exhaustion, unconsciousness, cramps and rashes. Luckily, there are simple steps Airmen can take to prevent these injuries before they happen as recommended by the 22nd AMDS bioenvironmental flight.

· Wear loose-fitting clothing
· Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages if engaged in strenuous activities
· Be aware of heat injury symptoms and first aid for heat injuries
· Slowly acclimate yourself to the Kansas heat [up to 10 days]
· Modify activity schedules to perform the heaviest work at the coolest part of the day
· Drink plenty of water [small amounts frequently throughout the day]

"Water is the best medium to hydrate due to the fact it is the main component of sweat," said Airman Hillard. "Without hydrating, the most physically fit people in the world can be prone to heat stress. As most of us all remember in basic training, hydration should not to exceed one quart per hour or 12 quarts per day."

Furthermore, the bioenvironmental flight operates and maintains a system designed to calculate heat index.

After July 1 or when the temperature rises above 85 degrees, the flight will monitor Wet Blub Globe Temperature readings.

The WBGT is determined by a formula which calculates temperature, humidity, wind speed and solar radiation. Using these readings, the bioenvironmental flight will initiate the appropriate heat stress advisories.

Following an advisory, one of five colored placards are displayed at the Robert J. Dole Community Center and the base gates indicating on the heat stress advisory condition.

White, 78 - 81.9 degrees, means no restrictions. Green, 82 - 84.9 degrees, use discretion in planning strenuous activity. Yellow, 85-87.9 degrees, when mission permits, limit strenuous exertion; avoid activity in direct sun; observe personnel for water consumption and signs of heat illness. Red, 88-89.9 degrees, when mission permits, curtail non-essential strenuous tasks; avoid activity in direct sun; observe personnel for water consumption and signs of heat illness. Black, 90 degrees and higher, highest risk of heat casualties; suspend all but essential strenuous tasks to meet operational requirements; avoid activity in direct sun; observe personnel for water consumption and signs of heat illness.

"The WBGT and placards are important because knowing the correct colors can improve performance, prevents heat related injuries and in turn contributes to Ready Airmen," said Airman Hillard.

For more information on the topic and access to the WBGT index, contact bioenvironmental engineering at 759-5104 or 22nd Air Refueling Wing Safety at 759-3216.

Editors Note: Airman 1st Class Chavette L. Hillard, 22nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron Bioenvironmental engineering apprentice, contributed to this story.