Heat Disorders

Although this story started out discussing flying tips for operating in the American desert areas, it rapidly became obvious that pilots, flight crews, and passengers are heat risks wherever they operate in the summer. From the IFR pilot holding at the end of the taxiway for a clearance, to the air show pilot sitting on the taxiway waiting to perform, or to the glider pilot working a hot summer thermal, each is at risk from the heat and more importantly, from the danger of not drinking enough water. As noted in the National Weather Service's Heat Wave data, (see tables below) people are at risk for heat problems whether they are on the flight line, in their aircraft, or at home in the city. Hopefully, this article reminds all pilots of the special dangers of summer. Heat related problems can be as deadly to a pilot as the lack of oxygen. One we talk about frequently, and we even have special altitude rules specifying when oxygen must be used and by whom, but seldom do we discuss heat problems and their effects on the ability of a pilot to control an aircraft in flight.

The seriousness of the danger heat poses for people is noted by the National Weather Service's Heat Wave statistic that in a normal year, about 175 Americans die as a result of summer heat. The attached Heat Wave data states, "In the disastrous heat wave of 1980, more than 1,250 people died.

Heat Index/Heat Disorders
Heat Index	Possible heat disorders for people in higher risk groups
130°F or higher	Heatstroke/sunstroke highly likely with continued exposure.
	Sunstroke, heat cramps, or heat exhaustion likely, and
105° - 130°F	heatstroke possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical
	activity.
90° - 105°F	Sunstroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion possible with
	prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.
80° - 90°F	Fatigue possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical
	activity.

Know These Heat Disorder Symptoms
Heat	Symptoms	First Aid
Disorder
Sunburn	Redness and pain. In	Ointment for mild cases if blisters
	severe cases, swelling of	appear. If breaking occurs, apply dry
	skin, blisters, fever,	sterile dressing. Serious, extensive
	headaches.	cases should be seen by a physician.
Heat	Painful spasms usually in	Firm pressure on cramping muscles, or
Cramps	muscles of legs and	gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give
	abdomen possible. Heavy	sips of water. If nausea occurs,
	sweating.	discontinue use.
Heat	Heavy sweating, weakness,	Get victim out of sun. Lay down and
Exhaustion	skin cold, pale, and	loosen clothing. Apply cool wet cloths.
	clammy. Pulse thready.	Fan or move victim to air conditioned
	Normal temperature	room. Sips of water. If nausea occurs,
	possible. Fainting and	discontinue use. If vomiting continues,
	vomiting.	seek immediate medical attention.
Heat	High body temperature	Heat stroke is a severe medical
Stroke	(106°F or higher). Hot	emergency. Summon medical
(or	dry skin. Rapid and strong	assistance or get the victim to a
Sunstroke)	pulse. Possible	hospital immediately. Delay can be
	unconsciousness.	fatal.

		Move victim to a cooler environment.
		Reduce body temperature with cold
		bath or sponging. Use extreme
		caution. Remove clothing, use fans and
		air conditioners. If temperature rises
		again, repeat process. Do not give
		fluids.

The information contained herein is meant for informational purposes only. Neither IFA, nor Paul Engstrom assume any responsibility or liability for events that occur due to actions you or others on your behalf take based on the information given in this article. You are proceeding at your own risk. It is strongly advised that you seek the opinion and advice of a qualified aviation medical examiner and appropriate medical physician for any medical needs you may have.