SAFETY BULLETIN 87 - SUMMER HEAT STRESS

Question 0

TRUE/FALSE

COMPANY OFFICERS NEED TO NOTIFY THE IC OF THE FUTURE NEED FOR RELIEF OF THEIR UNITS WHEN THE ME,BERS BECOME PHYSICALLY OVERSTRESSED.

Answer 0

FALSE

Company Officers need to notify the IC of the future need for relief of their units BEFORE their members become physically over-stressed.

Question 1

OF ALL THE HEAT ILLNESSES WHICH IS CONSIDERED A TRUE MEDICAL EMERGENCY?

Answer 1

HEAT STROKE

1.1
Heat stress illnesses can result in heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, the last of which is termed a “true” medical emergency. Heat stress also causes dehydration, and the resultant change in body chemistry can cause the heart muscle to stop functioning properly.

Question 2

DESCRIBE THE TREATMENT FOR SUMMER HEAT STRESS (OPERATIONS)?

Answer 2

TREATMENT

• Members should remove their helmets and coats, and open the front flap of their pants as soon as operations safely permit to remove pent up heat and humidity within the Bunker Gear.
• Members should drink cold water or diluted “replacement” beverages (20 oz. initially and 6-8 oz. every 15 minutes thereafter). Avoid concentrated “sports” drinks and hot drinks.
• Members should seek cool, shady areas. Casually moving about will enhance rehydration due to increased blood circulation. Make use of the RAC unit’s equipment and supplies (ice, water, drinks, and cold towels).
• No member should be alone during any phase of the recuperation process; maintain the “buddy system” for the duration of R&R.
• Any member exhibiting any signs or symptoms of heat stress related illness should be evaluated and monitored by EMS.

Question 3

TRUE/FALSE

DUE SUMMER OPERATIONS, IN ANTICIPATION OF POSSIBLE HEAT STRESS, MEMBERS CAN OMIT THE WEARING OF HOODS.

Answer 3

FALSE

ALL MEMBERS MUST RECOGNIZE THE NEED TO PROPERLY WEAR ALL THEIR PPE AT OPERATIONS. DO NOT OMIT THE USE OF ANY PPE TO ALLEVIATE HEAT STRESS.