Awareness key to prevention, treatment of heat-related illnesses Published May 17, 2007 Air Mobility Command Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Air Mobility Command's medical and safety officials urge all Airmen to be aware of heat-related illnesses during the 101 Critical Days of Summer, May 25-Sept. 3. "As the Air Force enters the 101 Critical Days of Summer, it's important for all Airmen to know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses," said Col. Eric Stone, chief of professional services for AMC's Surgeon General. "With proper education and planning, heat-related illnesses are absolutely preventable." Col. Stone said he consulted with Lt. Col. (Dr.) Paul Gourley, an expert in emergency medicine and chief of medical staff, 305th Medical Group, McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., for guidance on heat-related illnesses. "Through the proper wear of light and loose fitting clothing, adequate intake of water and salt-containing foods, a high degree of physical fitness, and proper adaptation to hot environments, these conditions can be prevented," said Col. Gourley. Col. Gourley said heat-related illnesses range from minor conditions such as heat cramps to major conditions of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. All these conditions occur because of the body's inability to properly cope with heat stress. He said information on heat-related illness is available in AFM 10-100, the Airman's Manual. The Air Force Surgeon General's office, however, recently pointed out additional symptoms of heat stroke all Airmen need to be aware of to potentially save the lives of heat stroke victims. He said heat stroke differs from heat exhaustion in terms of symptoms and severity. "Heat exhaustion occurs due to the body's loss of fluids when exposed to heat stress," explained Col. Gourley. "Symptoms include weakness, headache, light-headedness, profuse sweating, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. The person's body-temperature and behavior usually remain normal," he continued. "Proper treatment focuses on moving the individual to a cool place, loosening or removing some clothing, sprinkling or misting water onto the skin, and fanning the person. If the person is not vomiting, drinking water should be encouraged." Col. Gourley said heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke -- a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical treatment. He said people with heat stroke can have all the symptoms of heat exhaustion. The main difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke is an altered mental state. This means the individual suffering from heat stroke might act confused, lack good judgment, be unable to walk properly, have seizures or become unconscious. He said just as in a medical stroke, time is critical. The longer a person has symptoms of heat stroke, the greater the chance of medical complications or even death. He said the emergency medical system must be activated immediately by calling 911. "Upon identifying a victim of a heat-related illness, the victim should be removed from the heat, have some clothing loosened or removed and lay down immediately," said Col. Gourley. "Cooling with misting and fanning also should be done immediately while waiting for emergency medical personnel to respond. If the victim is able to drink, encourage him or her to sip liquids. Never try to give an unconscious person anything to drink." He emphasized that prevention of both heat stroke and heat exhaustion involves adequate hydration, proper heat adaptation, and avoiding overexposure. "Knowing symptoms of and initial treatment for heat-related illnesses helps," said Col. Gourley. "However, prevention is the best strategy - stay well-hydrated, allow time to acclimate to hotter environments and avoid excessive exposure."