Airmen can save lives during summer’s critical days

Published May 22, 2006
By Kathy Ferrero
Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AMCNS) -- Carelessness kills more Airmen during the summer than anything else. That’s why the Air Force takes the 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign so seriously.

The campaign begins 4 p.m. May 26 (Memorial Day weekend) and ends Sept. 5 to counter the traditional rise in mishaps and fatalities that summer brings.

Last summer, Air Mobility Command suffered 120 mishaps, including five fatalities, according to a 2005 safety analysis. Across the Air Force, 29 people died.

The goal this year is zero fatalities.

“To achieve this goal, we must collectively accept the challenge and responsibility of actively managing risks -- on and off duty, for ourselves and those around us,” said Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, commander of Air Mobility Command, in his 101 Critical Days of Summer video address.

“More importantly, each of us must manage the risks in our personal lives -- including the risks to each and every family member,” General McNabb said.

The riskiest activities involve motorcycles, automobiles and swimming. Of AMC’s five fatalities, three Airmen died in motorcycle accidents; one died in an automobile accident; and one drowned, said Wayne Bendall, AMC occupational safety and health specialist.

He noted a growing trend in all-terrain vehicle mishaps that range from minor fractures to paralysis.

But tragedy gets averted when others step up. This year’s theme, “Airmen Saving Airmen,” spreads responsibility to everyone.

“We have enough peer pressure to make us do something foolish. What we don’t have is enough peer pressure to stop us from doing something foolish,” said Michael May, AMC occupational safety and health specialist and campaign co-director with Mr. Bendall.

Safety representatives understand Wingmen’s challenges.

“It’s a hard task to ask of these young people, because they don’t want to be the one who’s [spoiling a party],” Mr. Bendall said. “You know, ‘Let’s not take the Wingman with us, because he’s going to tell us to not drink and drive.’”

Yet all Airmen, regardless of age or rank, should follow the 0-0-1-3 Program guidelines: zero drinks if you are under 21; zero DUIs; one drink per hour, maximum; and three drinks in one night, max.

Supervisors can save lives when they learn of Airmen’s amusements.

“They should get a word in,” Mr. May said. “Like, ‘You’re riding a motorcycle? Be smart.' … Just to let them know that they care. That means a lot.”

The ultimate responsibility lies in personal risk management. PRM isn’t meant to be a cumbersome scientific process, said AMC Director of Safety Col. David Miller.

“It’s the simplest way to ensure you have fun without incurring an injury this summer,” Colonel Miller said. “Look at your planned activity, identify the risks, and take action to ensure your safety and (the safety of) those involved.”