101 Critical Days of Summer - 365 days a year

Published June 13, 2008
By Senior Airman Carolyn Viss
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- In the states, Air Force bases have started the full swing of "101 Critical Days of Summer" safety campaigning. In the desert, however, those 101 days turn into 365.

Here in Southwest Asia, temperatures reach 100 degrees in March and continue to rise through October. Sandstorms, high humidity, and 12-plus-hour work shifts create an austere environment that can be relentless and dangerous if not properly prepared for. The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing safety office provides advice for Airmen to stay safe in extreme conditions.

"Our biggest job function is mishap prevention," said Staff Sgt. Mary Circe, wing ground safety noncommissioned officer in charge. The team keeps busy doing facility inspections, mishap investigations and reporting, hazard abatement, and educating the base. Even though it's the "101 CDoS" all year round, the caliber of mishaps their office seeks to prevent is at a lower level than what many stateside bases combat.

With less off-duty time for servicemembers to participate in higher-risk recreational activities and limited alcohol consumption, there is a lower risk here for the two highest stateside injuries from (motorcycle, vehicle accidents with alcohol being the leading factor); however, sports-related mishaps are common, said the mother of four boys, who is well-practiced at treating sprains and scrapes at home.

"It's important for Airmen to be in a constant state of readiness," Sergeant Circe said. "If they're on quarters because of an injury from playing basketball, it doesn't help them complete the mission."

Fitness technician Brandi Ray, 379th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron civilian, said working on the day shift she sees at least one or two injuries a week, where people need to be assisted out of the fitness center or taken away by ambulance.

"The most common injuries we see are pulled Achilles tendons, twisted ankles, and people getting hit in the head or face from playing ball," she said.

Her advice to zealous Airmen arriving here is to start a workout regimen slowly and work up gradually.

"You need to warm up with a fast walk or light jog and stretch before and after working out," she said.

Hydrating more is also very important when people are more physical.

"The more active you are, the more you need to hydrate," Ms. Ray said. "The basic requirement is eight, 8-oz. glasses a day; but here, you need more because it's hot and you're sweating more. A good way to tell if you're hydrated enough is if your urine is clear."

In addition to the physical injuries suffered on the playing courts or in the gym, we have an average of four vehicle mishap occurring each week, Sergeant Circe said, causing damage to the base's leased vehicles.

"Using a spotter is essential because we have so many tight spaces to park and drive in," said the Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., native. She cautioned against driving off paved surfaces unless you have an official duty that requires pulling off the road. Vehicle operators who need to answer their cell phones should always use their signal and then pull off the road rather than drive while talking.

Sergeant Circe's supervisor, Master Sgt. Michael Wilson, the ground safety manager, said three ways to prevent mishaps are: 1) maintain situational awareness 2) follow established procedures and guidelines and 3) practice good operational risk management.

"You don't have mission-ready personnel or equipment if they're injured or damaged because of a mishap," Sergeant Wilson said.

101 CDoS - 365