July 16, 2024
Scorching temperatures can be a real problem for aviation operators. Of course, extreme heat can seriously impair aircraft performance. But it can also have a devastating impact on your people and their ability to do their jobs, causing nausea, headaches, stomach and muscle cramping – and sometimes even blurred vision, deliriousness and loss of consciousness.
“Anyone can be at risk, from technicians to pilots,” said Tim Wade, director of environmental, health and safety at FlexJet and a member of NBAA’s Safety Committee. “To limit adverse impacts of summer weather, it’s crucial for everyone in your organization to understand the signs of heat illness and how best to respond to them.”
Signs of Heat Illness
The human body sweats to cool itself. But extreme heat can overwhelm the body’s ability to regulation its temperature, causing heat illness – from heat rash and heat cramps to, in more extreme cases, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be deadly.
According to Wade, to prevent more serious heat illness, keep a close watch for signs including:
- Salt deposits on the skin, from dried sweat
- Cessation of sweating
- Loss of thirst
- Tension headache
- Muscle and stomach cramps
Preventing and Treating Heat Illness
Anyone exhibiting these symptoms should relocate to a cooler environment – preferably indoors and air conditioned. Sip water slowly, because fast ingestion can cause stomach cramps. If you haven’t recovered in a few hours or notice signs of heat stroke – like dizziness, loss of consciousness, blurred vision, hyperventilation or seizures – contact 911 immediately.
“Just drinking water isn’t enough,” said Wade. “To lower your body’s core temperature, it’s essential to get to a cooler environment.”
To prevent heat illness from becoming a problem in the first place, the most important step is to make sure all your employees stay adequately hydrated. This means:
- Focusing on hydration starting 48-72 hours in advance of extreme temperature
- Consuming a liter a water per hour in extreme heat, which translates to a drink every 20 minutes
- Ingesting no- or low-sugar electrolyte supplements or sports drinks to maintain your body’s homeostasis (be sure avoid sports drinks that are high in sugar and sodium)
- Ensuring that supervisors check employees for heat illness at least once per hour
“Heat illness can really sneak up on you,” concluded Wade. “The best way to limit it is to be proactive about hydration and understanding the symptoms to look for.”