Airmen prepare for 101 Critical Days of Summer

Published June 16, 2011
By Airman Alessandra N. Gamboa
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- A safety briefing held by the 28th Bomb Wing ground and flight safety offices at the base theater, May 26, helped to prepare Ellsworth Airmen for warm weather health hazards during the summer months.

To ensure Airmen are aware of and prepared for summer hazards, Staff Sgt. Erich Basler, 28th BW ground safety NCO in charge analyzed reports of mishaps (uncontrolled, unplanned injury or damage to equipment) and focused the briefing on trends or patterns.

"This year has been dubbed the 'year of the motorcycle' due to the high number of motorcycle fatalities Air Force-wide," he said. "As a result, motorcycle safety was greatly emphasized during the briefing, specifically the importance of wearing proper protective equipment and using common sense."

Another top issue focused on guarding against roadside dangers for travellers.
When it comes to operating privately owned vehicles, Tech. Sgt. David Yost, 28th BW flight safety NCOIC, encouraged Airmen to prepare for trips in advance, and take proper care of their vehicles.

"A vehicle in bad shape isn't only unsafe but also costs more to operate," Sergeant Yost warned. "Whether you feel comfortable working on your vehicle or prefer taking it to a repair shop and have them perform a safety inspection, ensure the inspection is done according to the owner's manual."

While there is an in-depth checklist for care and maintenance of government owned vehicles, Airmen are on their own when it comes to their private vehicles.

Sergeant Basler said he sees many more off-duty mishaps from Airmen who allow common sense to fall to the wayside as soon as they leave their workcenters.

"Airmen seem to allow too much slack regarding safety standards when they're at home working on their yard or driving," he said. "These seemingly harmless activities can be dangerous when Airmen allow themselves to become complacent."

Whether it is a supervisor, friend or family member who can help Airmen sustain safety standards, Sergeant Basler stresses the vital need for Airmen to let other people in on their summer plans.

"It is critical for Airmen to let someone else know their whereabouts and planned return time whenever they embark on any sort of outdoor excursion," he said. "If something were to go wrong, the lives of our Airmen could depend on someone else knowing where they are and when they plan to get back. For example, if no one is aware an Airman is late returning from a trip that began on Friday, it could be Monday before someone realizes something could be wrong. Awareness is critical."

Sergeant Basler also expressed his concern for Airmen who drink alcohol and stressed that driving after drinking is not an option.

"The best thing for Airmen to do before drinking is to establish a plan to have a designated driver, or to call 385-RIDE," he said. "By calling that number, Airmen can be picked up by a Safe Ride volunteer and will be driven safely home, with no questions asked."

Being aware of quickly changing weather conditions and making safety a part of outdoor activities is also critical during the summer.

"This is flood season," he said. "As a result, Airmen need ot be watchful of water levels and keep an eye in the sky. It's also important they stay informed of any weather alerts, and if a tornado warning is given, seek shelter in an area where they will not be in danger of drowning since flash floods and heavy rainfall often occur in the wake of a tornado."

Another summer safety risk can be playing sports, explained Sergeant Basler. While engaging in sports is helpful to staying in shape for passing physical training tests, Sergeant Basler encouraged Airmen not to overdo it and only play sports their bodies are appropriately conditioned to handle.

"Our reports have shown basketball to be the most dangerous summer sport," he said. "Many players are out of shape and aren't fit enough to maintain the quick pace in such a small space as the basketball court. To prevent injury, Airmen must ensure they are in shape and use the right equipment."

Sergeant Basler said the bottom line during the summer months is for Airmen to plan ahead, be prepared for road trips, check the weather where they are going, don't drink and drive, use common sense and above all, be good wingmen.