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Heat Stress Campaign 2012: Stay ahead of this inevitable heat

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Bryan Swink
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  In 2010, 81 personnel at this location suffered heat-related injuries. The number dropped by 30 in 2011, and it is the goal of the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group Bioenvironmental Engineering and Public Health elements to keep that trend going down.

Both are working to ensure each person on the installation is trained on how to prevent heat-related injuries. They are also working to ensure personnel are trained to recognize signs and symptoms of heat-related injuries early in order to prevent a potentially life-threatening situation.

The easiest way to combat heat stress is "Water, Rest, Shade," the slogan of the heat stress campaign. Personnel are advised to consume water frequently in accordance with the heat stress recommendations by Bioenvironmental Engineering. Additionally, resting in shade periodically can further reduce the heat load on the body.

"A lot of people have a mindset to try and push through the exhaustion so the mission doesn't falter, even though they are showing signs of some type of heat stress," said Capt Stephanie Harley, 379th EMDG Bioenvironmental Engineering element chief. Bioenvironmental Engineering and Public Health are working to change that mindset.

"If workers actively use these preventative measures, they will be able to accomplish the mission quicker than they would if they fell out and couldn't perform their job," Harley continued. "That would hurt the mission the most."

In addition to water, rest, and shade, there are other ways personnel can increase protective measures to combat the heat. It takes approximately 14 days for personnel to acclimatize to a hot environment. Shop supervisors can modify shifts or work/rest cycles to ensure personnel gradually build up a heat tolerance.

Personnel can also increase their awareness of their workspace to prevent heat-related illness: know nearest source of cool water, identify nearest cool break area with air conditioning and know the heat/flag condition and corresponding work/rest cycle prior to going outdoors.

No amount of training or acclimatization can reduce the body's requirement for water. Drinking plenty of water and taking shaded breaks each hour are important ways to protect the body from the heat.

Another way to ensure hydration is to check urine color. Typically, the darker the urine, the less hydrated the person. If the urine is clear or a faint yellow color, the person is well hydrated. When the yellow becomes dark with a brown tint, the person is dehydrated. Some vitamins and supplements may cause a darkening of the urine unrelated to dehydration.

Bioenvironmental Engineering and Public Health are looking to make regular visits to high-risk shops to ensure preventive measures are in place to combat the heat. They are also working with members of the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron in order to improve the access to water and build shaded areas and/or cool zones for those high-risk shops.

For any questions or concerns about heat-related injuries or to request a special evaluation, contact the 379th MDG at 437-8746 or 437-4216.