Keeping Airmen safe in the heat

  • Published
  • By Airman Erin McClellan
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  With temperatures expected to climb, Team McConnell is urged to be cautious when exposed to upcoming hot weather to prevent heat-related injuries.

“The two things we’re really trying to guard against are heat exhaustion and heatstroke,” said Maj. Jon Black, 22nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron bioenvironmental engineering flight commander.

Signs of heat exhaustion can include headaches, nausea, dizziness, irritability and excessive sweating, said Black. If it’s not caught in time, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke. Symptoms can include dry, hot skin, dark urine and disorientation or loss of consciousness. Heatstroke can cause serious problems, such as seizures, and can be life-threatening.

“Once somebody starts having heat exhaustion, they definitely need to take action,” said Black. “Beyond that is heatstroke, and that’s when the body has basically lost its thermoregulation abilities.”

When Airmen spend time in the heat, they need to be sure they’re taking enough breaks and staying hydrated by drinking water or beverages aimed at hydration. Drinks with caffeine are not recommended because they affect the body’s ability to cool itself, said Black.

“For the guys working on the flightline, we fill up huge buckets with sports drinks or ice water and any time they need a drink they can call over the radio and someone will bring them a drink,” said Staff Sgt. Tyler Nelson, 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion apprentice.

It’s important for Airmen to make sure they’re taking care of themselves and the Airmen around them in extreme weather conditions to catch any warning signs early.

“People want to make the mission happen,” said Black. “They’re going to be out working and they’re probably willing to sacrifice themselves for the mission. It’s really incumbent upon supervisors to try to look out for that and make sure people aren’t going overboard. Airmen need to look out for their wingmen.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if signs of heat exhaustion are felt or observed, the individual should move to a cooler location, loosen or remove clothing, apply wet, cool cloths to the body and sip water. If this progresses to heatstroke, call emergency services immediately, move the person to a cooler location and try to lower their body temperature with cloths, ice packs or a cool bath.