displays showcasing the pride and precision of today's Air Force, it's time to remind everyone of the small things that can ensure such a landmark event is a monumental and amazing memory for everyone through their own preparations before the show.
Infants come with bottles and some medications must be kept on ice. However, before planning your personal air show experience, please take the time to peruse the list of items that will not be permitted through the gates, so you, your family and friends can more quickly and easily pass through security and get on with the show.
With a little preparation the night before, dressing appropriately prior to loading up the car, and lightly packing the few important items you'll need, you will easily contribute to the security standards critical to maintaining safety for one and all on a military facility.
Historically air shows have been scheduled during periods of warm weather. Being exposed to high temperatures for long periods of time can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, especially if you are already dehydrated or are taking medications that can exacerbate dehydration such as antihistamines, blood pressure medication or antidepressants. Black asphalt can become so hot in direct sunlight that it will partially melt. With the sun shining overhead and possible heat radiating upwards, it's likely you're going to experience some heat.
Other emergency issues
Lt. Colonel Juris Jansons, 75th Operation Support Squadron (OSS) said, "If there is a medical emergency 911 will always work. Identify you are on Hill Air Force Base. The call center will route your call appropriately. If you are ambulatory, you can walk to one of three aide stations where ambulances are waiting, or flag down any roaming security forces who can use a radio to call for assistance."
In addition, Deputy Fire Chief Craig Golden stated, "Hill AFB Fire Department Emergency Services will be run through a Unified Command Operation that will be capable of handling all types of emergencies. We are prepared for a variety of different types of incidents ... We have practiced this in various exercises."
There will be three medical aid tents set up where guests can walk up to request medical assistance. Each station will have medical staff to include doctors, nurses, paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians. They will be well equipped to render care and provide ambulance transport as needed. There will also be medical personnel on bicycles, on medical carts and some walking around with medical gear to treat individuals who they identify or who present with medical difficulties. All of these units will be in radio communication with Unified Command to relay where they are and what condition they are treating so additional medical support can be dispatched to their location if necessary.
Again, the most important thing guests of the air show need to know if it becomes necessary for them to dial 911, is to immediately notify the dispatcher they are on Hill Air Force Base so the call can be routed to the Unified Command organized for this special event. This will allow them to receive the fastest possible care.
Suggested preparations the night before the air show: Half-fill both a spray bottle and a middle to large sized water bottle and put them in the freezer.
The morning of the air show, prior to loading up the car, fill both bottles the rest of the way with cool water from your refrigerator. Put a bandanna in your back pocket or pack a wash cloth size towel in your pocket, purse or fanny pack. Periodically throughout the day splash the bandanna or washcloth with cool water and pat you or your children's wrists or face for a refreshing cool off. You can also wrap the bandanna or cloth behind your neck for a cool down.
Dress in layers and in light colors that reflect rather than absorb light. Wearing a heather gray or other light colored undershirt will help keep perspiration from reaching and therefore showing on your over shirt and the slight dampness will cool you down when a soft breeze blows.
Leaving shirts untucked will also allow for movement with the breeze. Ladies, long-flowing, loose-fitting sundresses will actually keep you cooler than shorts by not sticking to you and allowing you to feel pretty as you move throw the crowds.
If you forget or lose the wash cloth size towel, chill your pulse points by splashing the cold water over your wrist for a moment each hour and splash or sprinkle a little on your temples or face. Regardless of what you do with the water, don't forget to drink some of it to stay hydrated. There will be plenty of water provided in numerous locations on Hill AFB at the air show. While you're in the hot sun, you can't drink too much of it. Drink cool water or non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages like sports drinks to help restore electrolyte balance. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate.
One of the main places heat escapes the body is the top of the head, so unless you have a straw hat with a wide brim that will allow ventilation while shading your eyes and face from the sun, leave your hats at home. Sunglasses are a great idea to bring along to protect your eyes. Remember, you're going to be looking up at the sky a lot so you don't want to forget your eye shades.
Whatever you do, don't forget the sunscreen. Even if it's a cloudy day, you're likely to sunburn. Broad-spectrum protection protects against UVA and UVB rays. Use sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or greater and preferably water resistant. Apply sunscreen liberally at least 15 minutes prior to exposure and don't forget your ears, nose, lips, neck, hands and any other part of your body that's going to see the sunshine. Use enough product to coat your skin and don't forget to reapply throughout the day; at least every couple of hours.
Although there might not be a great deal of shade at the air show, consider taking small breaks when you do find some and carry an umbrella to create your own if necessary. However, remember to be courteous to your neighbors. People have traveled from far and wide to experience what could be a once in a lifetime opportunity for them and the last thing they want to stare into is your child's Batman or Tinkerbelle umbrella in lieu of a group of F-16 Fighting Falcons' performing barrel rolls across the clear blue sky of the Wasatch Front.
This tip might surprise you. Don't eat. Graze. Eating a large meal will increase your body temperature. Eating smaller, more frequent meals will keep you cooler while you're in the sun enjoying the show.
Last, but not least, have a plan for your family and friends in case you become separated. If you all have mobile phones that could be a helpful plan, although you might have difficulty hearing due to the aircraft traffic, so you may need to resort to texting. If you know the air force base well, pick a spot ahead of time where everyone could meet. It's your family, so think of something that would work well for all of you.
Stick together, stay cool, stay hydrated and enjoy the show!
Here's your remembrance list:
Spray bottle
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Bandana and/or washcloth
Umbrella
Straw hat
Sunglasses
Small snacks
Mobile phones
Your family and friends
