Heat Illnesses: How to beat the Georgia heat

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sandra Marrero
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  As summer begins, the days are getting longer and hotter. The heat combined with the humidity of South Georgia, can create hazardous conditions for people enjoying the outdoors or working under the sun.

Every Airman faces the risk of suffering from a heat-related illness, but knowing the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, along with taking preventative measures can keep people safe this summer.

Since temperatures began to rise in May, the 23d Medical Group bioenvironmental engineering flight started to track the heat index that determines flag conditions on base, said U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Matthew Manzano, 23d MDG bioenvironmental engineering flight technician. "We have green, yellow, red and then black that represent [progressive heat index] stages ," Manzano said. "The [bioenvironmental engineering flight] informs the Maintenance Operations Center so they can [take precautions] to prevent them from getting hurt."

The two most common heat-related illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke, Manzano said.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, heat exhaustion is the body's response to excessive loss of water and salt, usually through sweating.  Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, and fainting.

Heat stroke, the most serious heat-related disorder, is described by the CDC as the body's inability to control its temperature.  During a heat stroke a person's body temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down.  A heat stroke can lead to death without proper treatment.

However, there are precautions Airmen can take to keep themselves and others safe this season.

"One way to prevent heat illnesses is to drink small amounts of water every 15 minutes, even if you're not thirsty, said Staff Sgt. Brittany Yindra, 23d Wing safety office NCO of mishap investigation and publicity. "Also, make sure you are putting sunscreen on-- you should be reapplying every two to three hours. One time is not going to cut it, especially if you're planning on staying out all day."

Additionally, people can protect themselves by wearing a brimmed hat and light-colored clothing, and taking breaks to go indoors and cool off.

For Airmen who are working outdoors, it's important to follow work-rest cycles and rest, said Manzano.

Work-rest-cycles determine the work-to-rest ratio of how much rest personnel should take after working a certain period of time.

While the work-rest cycle can be used, it is even more important for every Airman to listen to the individual needs of their body, according to Yindra.

Although Airmen may be focused on numbers and deadlines, it is still important for Airmen to stay safe said Manzano.

"Don't be afraid to speak up and say you're not feeling too good," Manzano said.  "I know there's a mission that we have to accomplish, but also keep in mind that Airmen are the most valuable asset."

For additional information on how to prevent heat-related illnesses, visit:

http://www.cdc.gov/extremeheat/

http://www.ready54.org/criticaldaysofsummer/