Staying safe outdoors was the topic of Fort McCoy’s summer Safety and Occupational Health Advisory Council, held July 16 at building 905.
The topics included heat-related injuries, hazardous plants, and the various types of wildlife found on Fort McCoy.
Heat-related injuries are a common hazard in summer months. Possible heat-related injuries include heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat cramps are typically the first injury to develop and can be a precursor to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The symptoms are muscle pain and muscle spasms. To treat heat cramps, stop activity, move to the shade, and drink fluids. It’s best to drink a sports drink or water or juice with half a pack of salt added.
The symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, nausea, weakness, clumsiness, and muscle cramps. Those afflicted should rest in the shade, loosen clothing, remove head gear, and drink two quarts of water over the course of an hour (if the person has not already consumed much water). Evacuate the victim immediately if the condition worsens or if
there is no improvement after 30 minutes.
Heat stroke is the most severe heat-related injury and is considered a medical emergency. The symptoms can include convulsions, chills, vomiting, confusion (often indicated by mumbling), aggression, and unconsciousness.
People with heat stroke need to be evacuated and seek medical attention immediately. Strip the person’s clothing and cool them. Continue cooling him/her while waiting for emergency personnel; the same person should stay with the patient to observe and report any changes in mental state.
Prevention is key with heat-related injuries. Use the Work Rest Cycle and Fluid Replacement Guide, which takes into consideration the temperature and how strenuous of work a person is doing. Take breaks, keep hydrated, and watch out for individuals with a higher risk of heat-related injuries, including those with past injuries, who are not physically fit, are ill, or taking some medications. For more information on heat-related injuries, including the Work Rest Cycle and Fluid Replacement Guide, visit https://phc.amedd.army.mil/PHC%20Resource%20Library/HeatIllness_FS_12-005-0316.pdf.
Hazardous plants found on Fort McCoy include poison ivy, poison sumac, and wild parsnip. Poison ivy is perhaps the best known of the three and is commonly found in wooded areas and floodplains. In Wisconsin, it is typically a low-growing shrub or rambling vine with leaves that grow in groups of three.
Poison ivy contains an oil called urushiol. Contact with all parts of the plant causes rashes and blisters.
Poison sumac is a shrub that likes wet areas, shady areas, including swamps and stream banks. Leaves have smooth edges and grow in groups of seven to 13 per branch. The bark is bone-colored, and it can grow up to 20 feet tall. All parts of the plant contain urushiol. Its effects are sometimes considered worse than that of poison ivy.
Wild parsnip is an invasive species. It’s an upright perennial that can grow up to 5 feet tall with yellow flowers that form an umbrella shape. It is usually found on Fort McCoy in disturbed soil, wet areas, and roadside ditches. The sap of the plant is a phototoxin; if sap is allowed to remain on the skin and then exposed to the sun, it causes a chemical burn with blisters. Phototoxicity can be amplified by humidity and perspiration.
Prevention is the best way to avoid exposure. Wear long sleeves, heavy pants, and gloves if you can’t avoid contact with these plants. Barrier creams may also be helpful. Wash any clothes that come in contact with these plants separately from other clothes. Use hot water and detergents that are designed to neutralize oils.
If you’ve been exposed to any of these plants, wash exposed skin with soap and water. Wet compresses and cool baths, as well as antihistamines and calamine lotion, can soothe the symptoms. Rashes typically last one to three weeks but can last up to six weeks.
Consult a medical professional if you have a severe case or any concerns.
Some of the wildlife commonly found on Fort McCoy includes black bears, gray wolves, snakes, badgers, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and skunks. While many wild animals avoid human contact, it’s helpful to know what sort of wildlife is around and how to react if you encounter it.
To avoid black bears, dispose properly of garbage and make sure cans are covered so that the smell does not attract them. Never feed a bear. If you see a black bear, try to alert it to your presence. Bears will likely avoid confrontations.
Gray wolves are a federally endangered species. It’s unusual to see wolves as they are secretive animals that avoid contact with humans.
However, wolves can also be very territorial and defend their territories against those that intrude on it, especially coyotes and dogs. Keep
dogs confined to the house or the yard, and retreat if you encounter wolves while walking or in the woods.
Fort McCoy is home to 11 species of snakes, none of which are venomous. Wisconsin’s largest snake is the bullsnake, which can reach 6 feet in length and feeds mostly on rodents. All 11 species are protected species in Wisconsin and should not be harmed. Snakes will generally leave you alone if you leave them alone.
Badgers are typically spotted during spring and summer months. They are mostly found in open areas where they dig burrows but occasionally take up residence in culverts or building foundations. Badgers will avoid
humans but can be very aggressive if provoked or taunted. Never approach a badger. If you spot one, leave the area.
Raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and skunks are not considered typically considered dangerous to humans, but they may carry canine distemper
or rabies. Cases of canine distemper have been documented at Fort McCoy in recent years.
Symptoms of canine distemper include disorientation, a lack of fear around humans, an emaciated appearance, and nose and eye discharge.
If you spot an animal with these symptoms, contact Pest Management at 608-388-2557 or the Natural Resources Branch at 608-388-2252.
Do not attempt to handle, catch, or disturb these animals. If you have a dog, be sure to keep its vaccinations up to date.
(Article prepared by the Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office and Installation Safety Office.)
| Date Taken: |
07.26.2019 |
| Date Posted: |
07.26.2019 12:03 |
| Story ID: |
333226 |
| Location: |
FORT MCCOY, WISCONSIN, US |
| Web Views: |
315 |
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This work, Outdoor safety highlighted during quarterly SOHAC meeting at Fort McCoy, by Aimee Malone, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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