Primary Prevention
Primary prevention involves taking proactive steps to prevent heat-related illnesses before they occur. This includes actions like making sure individuals are gradually getting used to the heat (acclimatization), staying well-hydrated, and keeping track of the environmental conditions using tools like the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). By implementing these strategies, we can greatly reduce the chances of heat illnesses. The NFHS Foundation has provided WBGT devices to over 5,000 high schools across the country, and many more schools are already using them. It’s important for all outdoor high school activities, including Marching Band, to utilize these devices to keep everyone safe.
Until a chart made specifically for the marching band participant can be created, when reading a WBGT to determine what risks exist in your local environment this chart can provide assistance in creating a next course of action:
Categories listed in the previous chart can be determined based on your school’s location in the following map. The map takes into account general heat acclimatization based on the normal baseline levels of heat.
Because marching bands will rehearse on several different types of surfaces, it is important to understand how both time of day and surface type can affect the surface temperature. This chart will show how different surfaces react to heat throughout the day and retain heat after the peak daily temperature.
Why is all this important?
When we’re out in the sun or in a hot environment, our bodies take in heat in different ways. For example, we absorb heat directly from the sun’s rays (direct radiation), from surfaces around us that reflect sunlight (reflected radiation), and from things we touch that are already hot (conduction).
However, our bodies have limited ways to get rid of this heat. The main way we cool down is through sweating, which allows heat to evaporate off our skin. We also cool down when there’s air or water moving around us (convection), which helps carry heat away from our bodies. Additionally, some heat can be emitted from our bodies into the air (radiation), but this process can be hindered by things like instruments or uniforms blocking the heat from escaping.
In simpler terms, our bodies take in heat from the sun and surfaces around us, but we can only get rid of it by sweating, the movement of air or water, and some heat escaping into the air. However, the uniforms limit many of these cooling mechanisms. This image shows the different ways heat is absorbed and expelled.
Secondary Prevention
When someone suffers from heat-related illness, it’s absolutely critical to act swiftly and effectively. Secondary prevention involves specific methods like immersing the person in cold water and activating an Emergency Action Plan (EAP). Cooling the person down quickly and getting them professional medical help can truly save their life, underscoring the significance of being prepared and knowledgeable.
In the case of heat stroke, which is the most severe form of heat-related illness, every second counts. Once heat stroke is identified, there’s only a short window of about 30 minutes to provide the necessary life-saving care. So, being able to recognize the signs of heat stroke and responding promptly can significantly increase the chances of a positive outcome.
