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386th Airmen work against the heat

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stefanie Torres
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Summer temperatures here are among the hottest on earth, with wet-bulb numbers approaching 120 degrees Fahrenheit and flightline figures topping 140 throughout August and September.

That brutal atmosphere can be deadly for Airmen if they don't know how to prevent heat stroke, said Maj. Daniel Sweeney, bioenvironmental engineer for the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group.

In an effort to prevent heat-related illnesses, commanders and health professionals here are now working to educate Airmen on how to stay healthy as they battle the elements, Major Sweeney said. Many Airmen are required to work outdoors despite the harsh conditions, performing essential missions like aircraft maintenance, civil engineering and base security, so prevention is key.

"The mission doesn't stop, and neither do Airmen," he said. "We assess the risk to Airmen for things that can affect their health, and we implement programs to keep them safe while being able to maintain the mission."

Heat stress and its more serious cousin, heat stroke, are caused by elevated body temperatures that start shutting down internal organs, explained Lt. Col. (Dr.) Reynold D'lima, medical director at the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group. Keeping the body hydrated can prevent this from happening.

"Signs of heat stroke include rapid pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, muscle cramps, chills and goosebumps," he said. "When these symptoms sneak up on a person, it means you are already behind on hydrating."

To prevent heat stress, Airmen should pay attention to their urine color and thirst level, he explained. The darker the urine is, the more dehydrated the body is.

"If you are thirsty, it means you are about one-and-a-half quarts behind normal fluid intake. Those who are dehydrated need to drink water or sports drinks that contain electrolytes."

Airmen also should observe appropriate work-rest cycles and limit the intake of caffeine, which acts as a natural diuretic and has a tendency to dehydrate people faster, Colonel D'lima said.

"I recommend no more than two cups of caffeine a day," he added. "Every cup containing caffeine should be chased with two cups of water."

Sports supplements are not recommended because they also have diuretic affects that can lead to dehydration.

Heat stroke is a more serious and dangerous form of heat stress that can have debilitating effects on the brain.

"Heat stroke can be seen with changes in personality," Colonel D'lima said. "A person going into heat stroke can become aggressive, irrational, confused with impaired judgment, or have delirium. Their temperature rises above 105 degrees, which may cause some brain damage or even death."

Other symptoms include hot, clammy or dry skin, involuntary bowel movements, hyperventilation and reduced urine output. Anyone experiencing symptoms of heat stroke should seek medical attention immediately.

To assist in combating heat on the flightline, troops from the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron built a cooling shed for aircraft maintenance workers, enabling them to implement work-rest cycles away from the hot tarmac.

"The official temperature on base was 111 degrees the other day, but it was 135 degrees on the flightline because of all the heat emanating off the aircraft and pavement," said Col. Ricky Thompson, 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Group commander. "CE was able to take an excess facility and convert it into something that might save a maintenance worker from heat stroke."

Officials cautioned all Airmen to look out for their buddies, because the onset of heat illness can begin with subtle signs that may not be readily apparent.

"It's vital that we are taking care of each other," Colonel D'lima. "You should have a wingman and look to see if there are any changes in them. Also, if a person is doing something alone, then someone needs to check up on them periodically."