CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Throughout the summer months, many Airmen will enjoy fun-filled activities with friends and family including picnics, recreational sports, swimming and camping.
The 101 Critical Days of Summer is a high activity period between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, and is an important time for Airmen to be aware of their surroundings and be cautious of any hazards they come in contact with.
With the heat, water and vegetation in the Charleston area both reptiles and insects run rampant. This includes snakes, alligators, spiders and ants just to name a few.
There are also many different types of snakes, but the ones to look out for include the copperhead rattlesnake, canebrake rattlesnake, water moccasin, eastern diamondback and the coral snake.
The water moccasin, eastern diamondback, copperhead rattlesnake and canebrake rattlesnake all contain hemotoxin venom, which attacks blood cells and muscle tissue as it spreads throughout the body. The coral snake contains a neurotoxin, which shuts down the nervous system once it is injected into the skin.
"If you were to get bit by a snake, localize where the venom is going and make sure you get to a hospital as soon as possible," said Staff Sgt. Anthony Barrette, 437th Operations Support Squadron survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialist. "There will be a lot of damage to that specific area, but it will not spread throughout your body. It is important you take note of what the snake looked like so the medical team can give you the proper anti-venom."
For those Airmen who enjoy vacationing in the woods, always check weather reports before leaving on a camping trip. Also, be on the look out for insects in your camp. These insects include the black widow spider, brown recluse spider, fire ants and ticks. It's important to always check the ground before setting up camp.
"If anyone sets up camp on top of an ant hill, be sure to brush off any that come in contact with your body," Sergeant Barrette said. "You do not want to smack or kill them because they release a pheromone that will cause the rest of the ants to all bite at once."
A natural hazard to be aware of is the constant change in weather. Summer is considered the wettest part of the year and feels hotter than it actually is due to increased humidity.
"If you do not like the weather, wait a few minutes and it will probably change on you," said Sergeant Barrette. "Be sure to have a change of clothing and multiple pairs of socks if you are going to go out into the wild for an extended period of time."
Airmen not only have to be aware of their surroundings on land, but should be cautious when participating in water activities. The Charleston area has alligators lurking in bodies of fresh water, as well as sharks, stingrays and jelly fish in the ocean.
"Alligators are not uncommon in this area," said Sergeant Barrette. "Any time you get into fresh water, you have to assume there is an alligator in it as well. If you ever come in contact with one, do not bother them and they will not bother you."
It is important for Airmen to have situational awareness in every activity they participate in. This will help them avoid any potential environmental hazards they may come in contact with, especially during the summer season.
"Heat exposure, immersion injuries, as well as venomous snake and insect bites are typical injuries Airmen experience if they are not taking precautionary actions," said Sergeant Barrette. "To avoid any major incidents Airmen should make sure they constantly drink water and take care of any bites or cuts they get. If the necessary precautionary actions are taken, less Airmen would be injured during the summer."