Air Show summer safety

  • Published
  • By Hill Air Force Base
  • 75 Medical Group
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  During the Air Show we want to make sure that everyone is able to have fun, while staying healthy. With this in mind, keep a watchful eye out for emergencies, take care of yourself, and be ever vigilant. In the event that an incident occurs or an individual needs assistance there are measures in place to ensure everyone's safety.

Temperatures can reach well into the nineties and the sun's rays can be very intense. Because of this, everyone needs to be aware of the danger of dehydration or becoming severely burnt by the sun. Individuals with long exposures to direct sunlight with no protection can receive second degree burns and in some instances may develop skin cancer. Ways to protect yourself from the sun and still have fun are as follows: make sure that all exposed skin is covered by a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30, reapply sunscreen every few hours, use of a lip balm with an SPF rating, and wear clothing that covers the arms and legs, sunglasses, and hats. For the summer heat, overheating of the body can in some cases become deadly. A few signs and symptoms to look for that may indicate dehydration from the heat are dry mouth, loss of perspiration, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, and skin may be hot to the touch. If you or others around you are presenting these symptoms please seek medical attention. The best way to keep hydrated is to drink plenty of water and steer clear of caffeine and alcohol, as they can increase dehydration.

Expect the noise levels to very high, especially when jets are performing. Hearing protection is highly recommended. Foam earplugs, readily available at pharmacies and home improvement stores, provide adequate protection.

If you find that you are experiencing any of the signs/symptoms above, please seek medical attention. There will be three Aid Stations setup in clearly marked tents evenly dispersed throughout the event to help handle most problems.