71st FTW Xtreme Challenge: Beat the summer heat

  • Published
  • By Col. Bryan Benson
  • 71st Flying Training Wing
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  The summer season is a time for ball games, barbeques, swimming, camping and a wide variety of other enjoyable outdoor activities with family and friends. With temperatures routinely in the upper 90s this week, we've also seen that summer is a time of extreme heat here in Oklahoma. As Team Vance continues working toward our zero fatality Xtreme Challenge goal, I want you to beat the potentially devastating effects of summer heat.
Dehydration, sun exposure and fatigue are three potentially debilitating effects of summer heat. Proper hydration is the most important element in prevention of heat injuries. A dehydrated person cannot maintain proper body temperature in the heat and begins to break down physically and mentally. This leads to potentially fatal mistakes, whether we're flying airplanes, driving an automobile, working outdoors or participating in a recreational activity.
Many people mistakenly think that water intake is not as critical once the body has acclimated to the heat. Just the opposite is true. As the body becomes more efficient at producing large volumes of sweat to stay cool and blood volume increases by 10 to 25 percent, more water is needed to keep pace.
In fact, when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature index is 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above, water intake should be at least one quart per hour. Strenuous outdoor activity without adequate rest periods will require much more water. This is especially true for the flightline where temperatures can soar to 120 degrees.
Bottom line: Hydrate early and often. Don't wait until you're thirsty. Avoid prolonged exposure to the heat. Be a good wingman and monitor each other for signs of heat stress, then take action to prevent a mishap.
Summer sun can also be devastating. Every year the instances of skin cancer increase, claiming thousands of lives. There is no such thing as a safe suntan. Although some sun exposure can be healthy by providing Vitamin D, too much can be deadly. The sun's ultraviolet rays penetrate the skin and weaken the immune system. When the amount of exposure to UV rays is more than the body's protective pigment, melanin, can handle, sunburn results. Over a period of time, potential for skin cancer increases.
So when you're enjoying some time at the base pool, doing yard work or working the flightline, take some time to lather on the SPF 15 or higher. Wear a hat and protective clothing. When possible, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and be especially vigilant between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when exposure to UV is highest.
Finally, summer heat and longer days can result in mishaps from fatigue. Because of the extra daylight and increased summer activity, we try to cram more into every day. Extra activity coupled with body stressing heat and less rest makes us tired and more prone to mistakes. Fatigue has the same devastating effect on our mental capacity as drinking alcohol -- an effect we can ill afford.
I want everyone on Team Vance to beat the summer heat, survive the Xtreme Challenge and help fellow wingmen to beat the heat too. Have a nice cold drink ... of water, and have a great weekend.