Heat is a factor

  • Published
  • 96th Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  It's the summer, and most people are primed for picnics, pools, beaches and barbecues. But whether on or off-duty, everyone must remain on high alert to avoid heat stress.

Heat stress is an increase in the body's internal heat level caused by working or exercising in a hot environment. Exposure to heat stress can result in reduced mental and physical performance, illness, permanent injury and even death. Everyone plays an important role in preventing heat injuries. All commanders, supervisors and workers should be familiar with the signs, symptoms, and first aid measures.

There are various heat injuries. Heat syncope is passing out in formation or while immobile in the heat. Move the victim to cool a area, recline, drink cool water slowly. Recovery will be prompt and complete.

Heat cramps cause muscle cramps from excessive salt loss in the stomach, arms or legs. Move the victim to a cool area, loosen clothing and drink cool water slowly. Remove clothing and apply wet cloths, Evacuate the victim to a medical facility.

Heat exhaustion's symptoms include profuse sweating, headache, weakness and nausea. Skin is cool and moist. Move the victim to a cool area and elevate the feet. Drink cool water slowly and remove clothing and apply wet cloths. Evacuate to a medical facility.

Heat stroke causes high body temperature and the skin is hot and dry. It causes extreme weakness, confusion or loss of consciousness. This is a medical emergency. Call the medical facility first. Lower the body temperature immediately. Remove clothing, and immerse the victim in water. Massage trunk and extremities.

Bioenvironmental Engineering monitors the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), from May 1 to Sept. 30 each year, and the flight measures and reports reports heat stress readings at 9 and 11 a.m., noon, 1 and 3 p.m.

The WBGT is what the Air Force uses as the "heat index." It is an index influenced by air temperature, radiant heat and humidity. It is also adjusted for the contributions or work demands and clothing, as well as the state of acclimatization. These are posted at the following website: https://afkm.wpafb.af.mil/ASPs/CoP/OpenCoP.asp? (Eglin AFB heat Stress index) in the news ticker and reported to the command post at 883-4020 and base weather at 882-5730 to ensure this information gets out to all units.

There is a flag system to indicate the level of heat stress. Commanders enforce activity levels for all personnel and ensure that everyone understands WBGT monitoring program, health flags and preventive measures related to heat stress.

For more information call Staff Sgt. Keith Watson at 883-8013 or Staff Sgt. Benito Rios at 883-8391.