BEATING THE HEAT: Healthy tips for handling hot sun

"Anyone can be susceptible, although the very young and the very old are at greater risk," said Lt. Cmdr. Brad Briscoe, Naval Hospital Emer-gency Room (ER) division officer. "People who work outside are still prone to heat-related incidents even if their bodies are acclimated to the climate. Sailors need to remember that even the most physically fit person can suffer a heat-related incident."

He explained that heat-related illness usually comes in stages. First comes heat cramps in muscles, which is common among persons participating in sports. The second is heat exhaustion, which includes symptoms such as pale skin, headache, dizziness and nausea. The third stage, heat stroke, is life threatening and includes symptoms such as vomiting, loss of consciousness, shallow breathing, rapid pulse, high body temperature and skin that may be red, hot and dry.

AE3 Kevonte Daniels of VP-5 "Mad Foxes" brings water to the flight line so his fellow shipmates don't dehydrate.

Treating heat cramps or heat exhaustion

The American Red Cross recommends getting the person to a cooler, shaded place. Give a half-glass of cool water every 15 minutes. (Avoid very cold beverages be-cause they can cause stomach cramps.) Do not let the person drink too quickly. Do not give liquids containing alcohol or caffeine, as they can make conditions worse. Call 911 or the local emergency number if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.

Treating heat stroke

This is a life-threatening situation that requires medical attention. Call 911 or the local emergency number. Move the person to a cooler, shaded place. Keep the person lying down. Quickly cool their body by applying wet cloths and fanning. If you have ice packs or cold packs, wrap them in a cloth and place them on the victim's ankles, wrists, armpits and neck to cool the large blood vessels. Watch for signals of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear.

"In most instances, severe heat illness usually strikes because warning symptoms are ignored," said Briscoe. "To avoid heat injuries, use common sense when it's hot outside. Whether you're thirsty or not, increase your fluid intake regardless of your activity level. To reduce the possibility of sun burn, use sun block of SPF-15 or higher and apply it 30 minutes prior to going outdoors."

AMAN Clayton Crotty of VR-58 "Sunseekers" tightens down a screw in the Auxillery Panel Unit on a C-40 Clipper Aircraft.

Check the heat index

This is a number in degrees Fahrenheit that it "feels like" to your body. As relative humidity increases, the air seems warmer than it actually is because the body is less able to cool itself via evaporation of perspiration. Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Naval Atlantic Meteorological and Oceanographic Facilities Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) readings determine the color of the station heat index flag.

Marty Martin, lead recreational aide at the NAS Gym, posts the heat index flag according to the daily WBGT readings. Four colors of heat stress flags identify the day's heat index.

TM3 Andy Bobien checks ID cards at the Birmingham gate onboard NAS Jacksonville.

MA3 Jarred Petrosky exercises on a stationary bicycle in the Fitness Center onboard NAS Jacksonville.