[K3CAL] Field Day Safety

[David Weaver]

Field Day Safety

There are many aspects of safety that we need to be concerned about during Field Day. While every safety issue is important, there are some issues that need to be stressed more than others. Don’t allow yourself to become a Field Day statistic. 

1. Unsafe Practices 

If you witness any unsafe activity call it out and attempt to stop it. Common sense must prevail. Unfortunately not everyone was issued their fair share of common sense. So occasionally we must intervene in order to prevent people from injuring themselves or others. 

2. Dangerous Weather 

Late June’s heat and humidity often combine to produce summer storms including thunderstorms. Each year it seems there is a news story about hams killed or injured during a thunderstorm. Anytime thunderstorms appear in our immediate area we will cease our outdoor activities and move into the clubhouse until the thunderstorms pass. 

When thunderstorms are imminent during the operating phase of Field Day all feed lines will be disconnected from the radios and all equipment will be turned off. 

3. Heat Injuries and Illness 

With few exceptions, the weather in late June is always hot and humid and that can lead to heat injuries or illnesses. This is especially true when the heat index (a combination of temperature and humidity) is above 90OF and the humidity is high. Warm temperatures feel even warmer when it is humid. 

Heat injuries occur when a person exercises or works in a hot environment and sweating cannot dissipate the heat generated within the body. In these conditions we are susceptible to the following heat-related injuries or illnesses: 

 Sunburn 

 Heat cramps 

 Heat exhaustion 

 Heatstroke/Sunstroke 

 

The recent change to the Field Day rules will allow us to start setting up earlier than in the past. Even though we will start at 0900 instead of 1400, we need to continue to be aware of the potential threat of heat-related injuries or illnesses. During our Field Day activities, especially during the set-up and take-down phases when we are engaged in significantly higher levels of physical activity we must be aware of the possibility of heat-related injuries/illness and take measures to prevent such injuries which include but are not limited to the following: 

 Hydrate – The best way to avoid heat injuries is to keep your body well hydrated. Drink a lot of water if you are exercising or working in hot conditions. Doctors usually recommend consuming eight or more glasses of water per day. During strenuous 

 

 

exercise, sports drinks replenish electrolytes, but are not a substitute for consuming water. Avoid drinks with caffeine. We will have plenty of water and sports drinks available. We will also have mister bottles available. 

 

 Mandatory breaks – We will take a 15-20 minute break inside the clubhouse every 45 minutes (or less depending on conditions) to cool down, hydrate to regain energy and to avoid overexposure to the sun. 

 

 Clothing - What you wear plays a big factor in how your body handles the heat. Light clothing and loose fitting clothing will help your body in breathing and cooling itself. It is fine to wear a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun but once you feel warm, remove it. This usually traps the heat inside your body. Go inside the clubhouse to cool down. 

 

 Activity levels - Heat injuries occur when a person exercises or works in a hot environment and sweating cannot dissipate the heat generated within the body. We want to work at a deliberately slower pace so that we don’t overwhelm our bodies and become victims of a heat-related injury. It is also important to watch the amount of activities you are participating in during hot days. Don’t overdo it. Heat stroke and other disorders can take effect in less than an hour. If you feel warm or dizzy, it’s best to take time to rest. Take your time. There is no rush. We’d rather have you enjoy Field Day at the Field Day site than at home or in the hospital. 

 

 Sunscreen - Apply liberal amounts of sunscreen. 

 

 Be your brother’s keeper – Watch out for each other. If you notice someone exhibiting the symptoms of a possible heat-related injury/illness get that person some assistance. Escort them back to the clubhouse, get them some water, etc. Stay with them to ensure that they are ok. 

 

Know the enemy - What Are the Symptoms of Heat-Related Illnesses? 

 Sunburn - Redness and pain in the skin. In severe cases there is also swelling, blisters, fever, and headaches 

 

 Heat cramp - Severe, sometimes disabling, cramps that typically begin suddenly in the hands, calves, or feet Hard, tense muscles 

 

 Heat exhaustion - Profuse sweating, weakness, muscle cramps, headache, nausea and vomiting. As dehydration increases from the loss of body water, lightheadedness may occur and fainting may occur especially, if the affected individual stands up quickly. A low grade fever also may be present. 

 

 Heatstroke - High body temperature, the absence of sweating, hot red or flushed dry skin, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, convulsions, strange behavior, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, and disorientation all of which could result in a seizure, and/or coma. 

 

In most cases heat-related injuries are progressive (e.g. Heat cramps come first and if untreated, lead to heat exhaustion which if untreated can lead to heat stroke). However, 

some individuals can develop symptoms of heat stroke suddenly and rapidly without warning. 

Seek immediate emergency medical care for anyone who has been in the heat and who has the following symptoms. Any delay could be fatal: 

 Confusion, anxiety, or loss of consciousness 

 Very rapid or dramatically slowed heartbeat 

 Rapid rise in body temperature that reaches 104 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit 

 Either drenching sweats accompanied by cold, clammy skin (which may indicate heat exhaustion); or a marked decrease in sweating accompanied by hot, flushed, dry skin (which may indicate heat stroke) 

 Convulsions 

 Any other heat-related symptom that is not alleviated by moving to a shady or air-conditioned area and administering fluids and salts 

 

Don’t allow yourself to become a Field Day statistic.

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