[KYHAM] Be Alert for High Heat Indexes for FD!

[Ron Dodson]

Noticed the following in the weather forecast.  All Field Day op’s
should be prepared to stay well hydrated this coming weekend if this
comes to pass.  


FAIRLY WARM TEMPERATURES ARE FORECAST THIS WEEKEND...AND WITH
INCREASED MOISTURE HEAT INDEX VALUES MAY APPROACH 100 DURING THE
AFTERNOON HOURS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.


Hydrated constitutes: Water, Gatorade etc.  The ever popular "807's" as
the OT's called them (alcoholic refreshments) should be kept to a
minimum as it tends to hasten dehydration. Yep, I know, I'm a
party-pooper! ;^).  Have fun, but stay safe!

73,
Ron, KA4MAP
===========================

HEAT STRESS TIPS

High temperatures and humidity stress the body's ability to cool itself,
and heat illness becomes a special concern during hot weather. There are
three major forms of heat illnesses: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and
heat stroke, with heat stroke being a life threatening condition.

Heat Cramps 
Heat cramps are muscle spasms which usually affect the arms, legs, or
stomach. Frequently they don't occur until sometime later after work, at
night, or when relaxing. Heat cramps are caused by heavy sweating,
especially when water is replaced by drinking, but not salt or
potassium. Although heat cramps can be quite painful, they usually don't
result in permanent damage. To prevent them, drink electrolyte solutions
such as Gatorade during the day and try eating more fruits like bananas.


Heat Exhaustion 
Heat exhaustion is more serious than heat cramps. It occurs when the
body's internal air-conditioning system is overworked, but hasn't
completely shut down. In heat exhaustion, the surface blood vessels and
capillaries which originally enlarged to cool the blood collapse from
loss of body fluids and necessary minerals. This happens when you don't
drink enough fluids to replace what you're sweating away.
The symptoms of heat exhaustion include: headache, heavy sweating,
intense thirst, dizziness, fatigue, loss of coordination, nausea,
impaired judgment, loss of appetite, hyperventilation, tingling in hands
or feet, anxiety, cool moist skin, weak and rapid pulse (120-200), and
low to normal blood pressure. 

Somebody suffering these symptoms should be moved to a cool location
such as a shaded area or air-conditioned building. Have them lie down
with their feet slightly elevated. Loosen their clothing, apply cool,
wet cloths or fan them. Have them drink water or electrolyte drinks. Try
to cool them down, and have them checked by medical personnel. Victims
of heat exhaustion should avoid strenuous activity for at least a day,
and they should continue to drink water to replace lost body fluids.

Heat Stroke 
Heat stroke is a life threatening illness with a high death rate. It
occurs when the body has depleted its supply of water and salt, and the
victim's body temperature rises to deadly levels. A heat stroke victim
may first suffer heat cramps and/or the heat exhaustion before
progressing into the heat stroke stage, but this is not always the case.
It should be noted that, on the job, heat stroke is sometimes mistaken
for heart attack. It is therefore very important to be able to recognize
the signs and symptoms of heat stroke - and to check for them anytime an
employee collapses while working in a hot environment.

The early symptoms of heat stroke include a high body temperature (103
degrees F); a distinct absence of sweating (usually); hot red or flushed
dry skin; rapid pulse; difficulty breathing; constricted pupils; any/all
the signs or symptoms of heat exhaustion such as dizziness, headache,
nausea, vomiting, or confusion, but more severe; bizarre behavior; and
high blood pressure. Advance symptoms may be seizure or convulsions,
collapse, loss of consciousness, and a body temperature of over 108° F. 

It is vital to lower a heat stroke victim's body temperature. Seconds
count. Pour water on them, fan them, or apply cold packs . Call 911 and
get an ambulance on the way as soon as possible.

Anyone can suffer a heat illness, but by taking a few simple
precautions, they can be prevented: 

1. Condition yourself for working in hot environments - start slowly
then build up to more physical work. Allow your body to adjust over a
few days. 

2. Drink lots of liquids. Don't wait until you're thirsty, by then,
there's a good chance you're already on your way to being dehydrated.
Electrolyte drinks are good for replacing both water and minerals lost
through sweating. Never drink alcohol, and avoid caffeinated beverages
like coffee and pop. 

3. Take a break if you notice you're getting a headache or you start
feeling overheated. Cool off for a few minutes before going back to
work. 

4. Wear light weight, light colored clothing when working out in the
sun. 
Take advantage of fans and air-conditioners. 

5. Get enough sleep at night. 

With a little caution and common sense, you can avoid heat illnesses.