Officials warn of heat-stress dangers

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Susan Stout
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFPN) --  As temperatures heat up across the country, heat stress is a concern that requires notice, according to officials here.

Early signs of heat stress include dizziness, headache, dry mouth, unsteady walk, weakness and muscle cramps.

“If you experience these symptoms, you should remove yourself from the activity, rest in the shade and take sips of water,” said Lt. Col. Allen Naugle, of the 56th Aerospace Medical Squadron. “If signs or symptoms do not improve in 15 to 30 minutes, get to a medical facility. If signs or symptoms worsen, call for an ambulance.”

Later signs and symptoms of heat stress include a hot body with a high temperature, confusion, weak or rapid pulse, unresponsiveness, vomiting, involuntary bowel movements, convulsions or coma.

“Call an ambulance for immediate transport to the hospital if you experience these symptoms,” Naugle said. “Lie down in the shade with feet elevated until the ambulance arrives and take sips of water. If skin is hot to touch, begin active cooling -- pour cool water over the body and undress as much as possible.”

According to Naugle, adequate water intake is essential to replace water lost through sweating, respiration and elimination.

“Encourage personnel to begin hydrating several days before a lengthy or high-performance exposure to hot conditions to ensure adequate hydration beforehand,” he said. “Advise personnel to begin water consumption at the recommended rate up to two hours before starting the activity, when possible.”

Drinking small amounts of water frequently is better than drinking larger amounts less frequently, according to Naugle.

“When the activity is complete, fluid replacement should continue for approximately two hours,” he said. “Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages do not make up for water loss. Carbonated beverages are not as effective as noncarbonated beverages in keeping the body hydrated because of delayed absorption.”

On the other hand, drinking too much water can also have its disadvantages, he said.

“(People should not) exceed an hourly fluid intake of one and half quarts or total daily fluid intake of 12 quarts,” he said. “Rapid ingestion of large amounts of water, greater than one and a half quarts per hour, may lead to hyponatremia, or acute water intoxication. This is a life-threatening condition that may lead to weakness, loss of consciousness and death, if not recognized and treated promptly.”

Naugle recommends people wear protective clothing and sunscreen.

“Use sunscreen and wear lightweight clothing, hats and sunglasses if the mission allows,” he said. “Eat a balanced diet, stay in good physical condition and take sufficient breaks in the shade. Most importantly, make sure you drink enough water.” (Courtesy of Air Education and Training Command News Service)