Exposure

In certain climates, you will be exposed to excessive heat or cold and must safeguard yourself from its effects. Proper procedure is the key to prevention of all cases of heat or cold exposure.

HEAT.\ Increased sweating requires more fluid intake. The duration of physical activity should be less during the first days of heat exposure and increased gradually as you become acclimatized. Alternate work and rest periods should be established. Avoid working in direct sun or on extremely hot days. Wear lighter clothing in hot environments.

COLD.\ The most important aspect of prevention of cold-related injury is awareness of existing weather conditions and the likelihood of weather change. Adequate clothing to protect as much exposed skin as possible must be worn. Rain gear should be donned before you become wet; wool clothes and wind-protective garments should be donned before you start to shiver. Improvised clothing may be made from parachute material. Obtain shelter that provides protection from the wind, precipitation, and surface water as well as insulation from ground, snow, or ice. Improvised shelters, described in Survival Training

Manual, NAVAIR 00-80T-101, will be useful in combating exposure.

SNOW BLINDNESS.\ Exposure to reflected sunlight from snow, ice, or water, even on grey overcast days, can result in sunburn of the tissues comprising the surface of the eye, as well as the retina, producing snow blindness.

Symptoms.\ Symptoms may not be apparent until up to 12 hours after exposure. The eyes initially feel irritated and dry; then, as time passes, eyes feel as though they are full of sand. Blinking and moving the eyes may be extremely painful. The eyelids are usually red, swollen, and difficult to open.

Remedial Action.\ A mild case will heal spontaneously in a few days, but you can obtain some relief by applying cold compresses and a lightproof bandage. An ophthalmic ointment can be applied hourly to relieve pain and lessen the inflammatory reaction.

WARNING

Do not rub your eyes.

Prevention.\ Snow blindness can be prevented by constant use of sunglasses or a tinted helmet visor. If the glasses or helmet are lost, an emergency set of goggles can be made from a thin piece of leather, cardboard, or other lightproof material. Cut the material the width of the face with horizontal slits over the eyes. These improvised goggles can be held in place with string or cord from the parachute shroud lines attached to the sides and tied at the back of the head.

As a first class or chief petty officer, you must assume more responsibility for yourself and those around you. You will be the resident expert in matters of survival equipment. You will be expected to teach your subordinate maintenance personnel and your unit's aircrewmen as well. This means that you must continue to educate yourself by studying everything available related to survival equipment. You are a key factor in the survival of those entrusted to your care.