McConnell safety personnel help Airmen, families 'beat the summer heat'

Published June 24, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- "It's a sunny 98 degrees this summer Sunday," can be heard over the radio, but "Airman Snuffy" still forgets his canteen and sunscreen as he races for the base pool.

Had Airman Snuffy remembered his sunscreen and canteen, he wouldn't have had to suffer through major sunburns, dehydration and a multitude of other heat related injuries.

"The 22nd Air Refueling Wing safety office's primary focus is to protect Airmen," said Tech. Sgt. Wayne Herold, 22nd Air Refueling Wing ground safety technician. "When our personnel do have heat related injuries, coworkers and the mission also feel the results. The safety office would like to ensure everyone is aware of the danger, so they can work at preventing such injuries."

The 22nd ARW safety office recommends wearing loose-fitting clothing and being aware of heat injury symptoms to prevent a serious problem. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, headache, muscle cramps, dizziness, absence of sweating, high body temperature and many more.

Heat related injuries can range from minor sunburns to a life-threatening heat stroke. Many of these injuries can be prevented with proper hydration.

There are instances of heat-related problems that could have been prevented by just having a few more drinks of water, said Sergeant Herold.

In Kansas, the extreme heat combined with high wind can cause rapid dehydration. When Airmen heat up, sweat is produced to cool the body, but the wind can rapidly dry the sweat, preventing the cooling process from happening.

In order to prevent heat injuries, McConnell's bioenvironmental engineering flight monitors the heat index. Using a wet bulb globe temperature monitor, they calculate temperature, humidity, wind speed and solar radiation to determine the heat index.

"I believe we contribute tremendously to the overall safety of McConnell through the WBGT monitoring," said Airman 1st Class Chavette Hillard, 22nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron bioenvironmental engineering technician.

"We make an effort to prevent heat stress across the base, not only to military personnel, but to contractors and civilian personnel."

Since May 2011, the flight has been monitoring the heat index and placing one of five colored placards around base to advise Airmen of the weather condition, safety officials said. The Air Force Manual 10-100, page 216, can be referenced for a complete definition of each of the colors: white, green, yellow, red and black.

A white placard, 78 to 81.9 degrees Fahrenheit, has no restrictions. Green placards, 82 to 84.9 degrees F, means Airmen should use discretion in planning strenuous activity.

When temperature hits 85 to 87.9 degrees F, a yellow placard is placed meaning Airmen should limit strenuous exertion and avoid activity in direct sunlight. Supervisors and Airmen should begin to observe personnel for water consumption and signs of heat illness.

When a red placard, 88 to 89.9 degrees F, is displayed Airmen should curtail non-essential strenuous tasks and avoid activity in direct sun. Supervisors and Airmen should observe others for water consumption and signs of heat illness.

The most severe, black, 90 degrees and higher, means Airmen are at the highest risk of heat casualties. They should suspend all but essential strenuous tasks to meet operational requirements and avoid activity in direct sun. Also, continue to observe teammates for water consumption and signs of heat illness.

With sunscreen, proper hydration and prior knowledge of the heat index, Airman Snuffy will most likely enjoy his time at the pool.