Page 2 - Davis-Monthan AFB Desert Lightning News 7-10-15

2 July 10, 2015 Desert Lightning News
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Surviving the Heat

Airman 1st Class Ashley N. Steffen

355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

NEWS Asphalt hot enough to fry an egg, winds that feel like a million (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jason W. Edwards)
blow-dryers, and sun baking your skin to the color of lobster red,
welcome to another summer in Tucson, Arizona. There are a variety of dangers associated with the rise in temperature that should not
go overlooked. Our bodies react to being active in the heat by releasing sweat; that
There are a variety of dangers associated with the rise in tempera- release of water has to come from somewhere, which is why hydration is a key part in
ture that should not go overlooked. When the weather warms up, staying healthy.
people like to barbecue or go for a hike on nearby trails to enjoy
the sun. Often forgetting that they need to drink more water while “It’s team work,” Giles said. “We all have to follow the wingman
engaging in activities in the extreme heat. Staying properly hydrated concept, and look out for each other out there.”
can avoid overheating and overexertion of the body.

“In the summer time we have a huge increase of injuries happen,
not just because of the heat, but because it’s hotter outside, people
want to get out and do more things,” said Senior Airman Joshua A.
McKay, 355th Fighter Wing occupational and health safety inspec-
tor. “Around this time of year, we have more illnesses, like heat stress
and dehydration.”

Our bodies react to being active in the heat by releasing sweat;
that release of water has to come from somewhere, which is why
hydration is a key part in staying healthy.

“Once you feel thirsty in this heat, you are already dehydrated,”
McKay said. “You should be drinking water regardless if you feel
thirsty or not.”

Drinking water, wearing loose clothing, long sleeved shirts, and
following work/rest cycles are a few ways to fight against dehydra-
tion, sunburns and heat related illnesses.

“One of the biggest dangers on the flightline is being overworked
in the heat, especially with the weather being so hot,” said Staff Sgt.
Antwoine L. Giles, 355th Fighter Wing occupational and health
safety inspector, and former maintainer. “Follow the work-rest cy-
cle. If overworked, there is an increased risk for heat exhaustion or
heat stroke.”

Giles also encourages the use of the wingman concept. If someone
is looking pale in the face, complains of stomach cramps, or looks ex-
hausted, step in and take their workload so they can rest and rehydrate.