RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
With the South Texas summer's soaring temperatures, medical officials are encouraging Team Randolph Airmen to watch for heat-related illnesses, especially heat stroke and heat exhaustion - and to drink plenty of water to help prevent them.
"Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate," said Master Sgt. Noppamat Harmon, 12th Medical Group NCO in charge of the pediatric clinic. "Try to do physical training in the early morning or the evening. Have a safety vehicle with water for large group runs; have water with you when you PT individually."
Airmen who work in hot environments may be at risk for heat stroke -- the most serious heat-related disorder. It occurs when the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. In fact, when heat stroke occurs, body temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes.
"This is a more severe form of heat exhaustion," Sergeant Harmon said. "To prevent it, don't overdo your outside activities, have a wingman and stay hydrated."
Symptoms of heat stroke include hot, dry skin with no sweating, hallucinations, chills, a throbbing headache, a high body temperature, confusion, dizziness and slurred speech.
Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given. To treat an Airman with heat stroke, first call 911 and notify his supervisor.
"That's because this is a medical emergency," Sergeant Harmon said. "While waiting for an ambulance you should move the person to a shaded area to help lower the body temperature."
Then, she said, remove as much of the Airman's clothing as possible and, depending on if resources are available, place ice or a cool towel on the head and neck. He can also be cooled by soaking his clothes with water, spraying, sponging or showering him with water, and fanning his body until medical professionals arrive.
Heat exhaustion is the body's response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating.
Workers most prone to heat exhaustion are those that are elderly, have high blood pressure and work in a hot environment. Sergeant Harmon said, "Heat exhaustion can be prevented by wearing a hat and loose clothing, choosing early morning and late evenings to do your outside activities and of course -- hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!"
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, extreme weakness or fatigue, dizziness, confusion, nausea, clammy, moist skin, pale or flushed complexion, muscle cramps, a slightly elevated body temperature and finally, fast or shallow breathing.
"Move the person to a shaded area," Sergeant Harmon said. "Elevate the feet, place ice or cold towels on the head, neck, and abdomen, and provide fluids."
Treat an Airman suffering from heat exhaustion by having him rest in a cool, shaded or air-conditioned area. Ensure he drinks plenty of water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages and have him take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath.
And to prevent heat stroke or heat exhaustion, especially while working or conducting physical training in hot environments, the sergeant said it is extremely important to remember to always have a wingman.
Besides watching over co-workers for heat-related illnesses during the excessive summer temperatures, Team Randolph safety officials said the best defense against heat-related illness is basic prevention.
"Staying cool and making simple changes in your fluid intake, activities and clothing during hot weather can help you remain safe and healthy," said Linda Howlett, 12th Flying Training Wing ground safety manager.