101 Critical Days of Summer

Major Pete Eunice, HQ CAP-USAF/SE Gary Woodsmall, HQ CAP/DOR

101 Critical Days of Summer

Memorial Day, 27 May Labor Day, 2 Sep Critical because many lose their lives More activities mean more risk More risk means more injuries

Safety = Planning with knowledge of the past and

with choices that prevent mishaps Some risk is necessary for a meaningful life Must weigh benefits and costs of each risk Make your own luck through risk management

Vehicle Safety

Motor Vehicle Mishaps

The leading cause of fatal mishaps during this period Contributing factors: heavy traffic, fatigue, alcohol, drugs, speeding, get-there-it is, not using seatbelts Survival plan:
Use seat belts and properly installed child safety seats Dont drive impaired Plan your trip Inspect your vehicle Dont speed Leave room behind the preceding vehicle

Seat Belt Use

Its Hot!

Types of Heat Injury

Heat cramps Heat exhaustion Heat stroke More susceptible if:
New to area Overweight & fatigued Alcoholic beverages & drugs Fever Tight or dark colored clothing

Heat Cramps
Symptoms
Painful muscle cramps of the limbs, stomach, and back Heavy sweating Extreme thirst

Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms
Profuse sweating Extreme fatigue Nausea and/or vomiting Giddiness Muscle cramps (heat cramps) Tingling sensation in extremities Rapid breathing, fainting

Heat Stroke
Symptoms
A MEDICAL EMERGENCY Throbbing headache Bizarre behavior, delirium Weakness, nausea, vomiting Flush dry skin, excessive warmth Disorientation, mental confusion Sweating or not Coma A MEDICAL EMERGENCY

Heat Injury
First Aid
Move individual to cool, shaded area Loosen clothing Drink small quantities of water Seek medical help if symptoms persist Seek Medical Aid & Evacuate Immediately if you suspect Heat Stroke!

Prevention of Heat Injuries

Drink plenty of water Avoid outside activities in extreme heat
Peak temperatures from 1000-1500

Acclimatization
Ease into activities/athletic events

Heat Injuries
Heat Stroke is a Medical Emergency Drink plenty of water Use work/rest cycles Wear loose fitting clothes and a loose fitting hat

Water Safety

Water Safety
Drowning - # 2 cause of fatal mishaps during 101 days PFDs could save nearly 90% of drowning fatalities Contributing factors: alcohol, not using PFDs, unintentional entries, diving into unknown water, horseplay Survival plan:
Boaters should have a designated Captain Dont overload the boat Keep PFDs on kids under 8 and on other weak swimmers Keep PFDs and a throwable flotation device readily available Use the emergency engine cut-off switch Use a spotter when someone is skiing Explore water before diving or go feet first

Summer Storms

Weather Awareness
All Thunderstorms are dangerous

Typically 15 miles in diameter and lasts 30 minutes

Every thunderstorm produces lightning
lightning kills more people each year than tornadoes

Some storms produce hail

Hailstones can fall at speeds in excess of 100 mph

SO
Stay inside when storms are approaching Listen for information on Watches and Warnings

Summary

Safety = Planning with knowledge of the past and with choices that prevent mishaps Some risk is necessary for a meaningful life

Must weigh benefits and costs of each risk

Make your own luck through risk management