DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --
The 7th Aerospace Medicine Squadron hosted a Heat Stress Awareness Extravaganza at the base pool for families and Airmen at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, June 22, 2018.
Airmen from the bioenvironmental engineering and public health set up stations for the event to allow attendees to learn about the different risks associated with sun and heat exposure.
“Risks associated with the sun include skin damage, cancer, heat stroke and heat exhaustion.” said 2nd Lt. Brian Fugett, 7th AMDS deputy flight commander of bioenvironmental engineering. “Airmen from bioenvironmental engineering and public health were put at each station to educate and provide preventative measures against these risks.”
A few preventative measures against the heat were also discussed at each station within the event, such as the importance of wearing sunscreen, utilizing work/rest cycles, staying hydrated and recognizing flag conditions.
There are four different heat risk flag conditions that are used when temperatures begin to reach higher levels. Green signifies low risk with a temperature range from 82 to 84.9 degrees; yellow signifies moderate risk with a temperature range from 85 to 87.9 degrees; red signifies severe risk with a temperature range from 88 to 89.9 degrees; and black signifies extreme risk with any temperature 90 degrees or higher.
Along with stations for speaking about heat stress and preventative measures, the event also had a bouncy castle, dunk tank, watermelon eating contest, food trucks, a boat regatta race and prizes.
“I think this was an awesome opportunity to raise awareness about the heat conditions and reminding Airmen and families to stay cool,” said Senior Airman Micah Thomas, 7th AMDS bioenvironmental engineer technician. “Thank you to everyone who attended and helped set up this event.”