21st Cabin Safety Symposium

DESERT SURVIVAL
MOHAMMED GARI & ABDULHAFEEZ BOKHARI
CABIN SAFETY SPECIALISTS SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES

DESERT REGIONS
Desert Regions are characterized by:

Lack of water Temperature extremes. (hot or colds) Dust storms

DESERT REGION
a) Lack of water

In the desert there is very little water available. The aim therefore, is to minimize heat absorption and loss of water from the body.
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DESERT REGION
b) Temperature extremes
Temperatures are high during the day, but at night they fall rapidly. Exposure to sun, wind and heat increases the body temperature and as the body temperature rises, the body starts sweating to cool itself. Sweating reduces the level of water in the body. When sweating take place, it is important to drink as much water as possible to avoid dehydration.
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DESERT REGION
c) Dust Storms
Wind in the desert can reach hurricane force, throwing up dense clouds of dust and sand. This makes breathing difficult and can affect the eyes adversely.

Desert Region
For Protection in the Desert:
Do not waste water, drink when thirsty. Keep head and back of the neck covered. Get into shade ASAP to reduce sweating and loss of body water. Travel, work only at night and rest during the day. Protect eyes, nose and mouth when necessary.
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Hot Weather Survival

RADIATION - form the rays of the sun. CONDUCTION from contact with hot surface, ground etc. CONVECTION from the hot wind.

STEPS TO MINIMIZE SWEATING

SHADE
Stay out of the sun during the day. Get under the shade of wing, or use a canopy or other suitable material to give protection from the direct rays of the sun. keep the canopy open to allow air to circulate.

STEPS TO MINIMIZE SWEATING

PLATFORM
Build a platform by using slide/rafts, seat cushions, blankets, pillows, etc. the purpose of platform is to create a barrier between the body and the hot ground. Sit on the platform rather than lie down as heat transfer into the body will be less with a raised platform.

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STEPS TO MINIMIZE SWEATING

CLOTHING
Keep at least on layer of clothing on; to protect against heat, wind and sunburn. If available, use a clothing made of natural fibers, such as cotton, silk, etc. use a cloth to cover the head and back of the neck.

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STEPS TO MINIMIZE SWEATING

ACTIVITY
Physical activity produces sweating. Limit your activity during the day. If you must move about in the heat, move slowly. Non-essential activity should be done in the early morning, late evening or night hours which are cooler.

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STEPS TO MINIMIZE SWEATING

WATER
Try to carry as much drinking liquids from the aircraft as possible. Do not ration water. Drink often and as much as your thirst dictates to remain mentally alert. This is especially important for crew members.

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STEPS TO MINIMIZE SWEATING

TRAVEL
Unless habitation is close by, it is better to stay near the aircraft and wait for rescue. Distances in the desert can be deceptive. Habitation that appears close by may actually be too far away to reach.

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STEPS TO MINIMIZE SWEATING

SUNGLASSES

Wear sun glasses during the day. If sunglasses are not available, use an eye shade of cloth with slits to protect from sun glare.
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HEALTH PROBLEMS

HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES

COLD RELATED ILLNESSES

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HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES

Uncontrolled sweating without replacement of water can lead to health problem. If left untreated, one problem may progress into another. Minor heat cramps can develop into heat exhaustion and finally heat stroke. Any heat-related illness if recognized in its early stage can usually be reversed.

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HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES

HEAT CRAMPS
Symptoms: Muscle cramps, often in the abdomen or leg. Heavy perspiration. Lightheadedness; weakness. Treatment:

Have the victim rest on his/her back in cool shaded area with his/her feet elevated 8-12inc. Cool victim by fanning and applying cool, wet clothes. Give cool water to drink. Lightly stretch the muscle.
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HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES

HEAT EXHAUSTION
Symptoms: Cool, moist skin, pale or red (even if the victims internal temperature is rising, his/her skin may still be cool.) Dilated pupils. (larger than normal) Headaches. Extreme thirst. Nausea, vomiting. Irrational behavior. Weakness, dizziness. Unconsciousness.
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HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES

HEAT EXHAUSTION
Treatment: Have the victim rest on his back in cool shaded area with his/her feet elevated 8-12inc. Cool victim by fanning and applying cool, wet clothes. If the victim conscious give half a glass of water to drink every 15 minutes. Monitor the victim for signs of shock including bluish lips and fingernails. If the victim start having seizures protect him from injury. If the victim loses consciousness. Give first aid.
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HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES

HEAT STROKE
Symptoms: Raised body temperature. Dry, hot, red skin. Dark urine. Small eye pupils. Rapid, weak pulse. Rapid, shallow breathing. Extreme confusion. Weakness. Seizures. Unconsciousness.
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HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES

HEAT STROKE
Treatment:

Have the victim rest on his back in cool shaded area with his/her feet elevated 8-12inc. Cool the victim by fanning and applying cool wet cloths. If the victim starts having seizures, protect him/her form injury. If the victim loses consciousness, give first aid for unconsciousness.

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COLD WEATHER SURVIVAL

Exposure to an extremely cold weather can be life threatening. It is, therefore, important to keep warm, dry and sheltered form natural elements such as wind, rain and cold. There fore, taking measures for survival in cold weather is very important.
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COLD WEATHER SURVIVAL

SHELTER Do not shelter inside the aircraft it will be too cold. Parts of the fuselage can be utilized to make a better insulated shelter. Slide/ rafts can be used with canopies erected to provide protection from the wind and rain. Seat cushion Can be utilize to provide additional insulation and protection.

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COLD WEATHER SURVIVAL

PLATFORM Do not sit or sleep directly on the ground. Use slide/rafts, seat cushions, etc. as platforms.

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COLD WEATHER SURVIVAL

CLOTHING Body heat and layers of clothing will keep you warm, to avoid sweating. Wear loose clothing, as tight fitting clothes cut off circulation, increasing the danger of freezing. Cover ears, neck, head, hands and feet.

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COLD RELATED ILLNESSES

1. FROSTBITE 2. HYPOTHERMIA

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FROSTBITE

This is the freezing of body parts that have exposed to the cold. Severity depends on the air temperature, length of exposure and the wind. It can cause the loss of fingers, hands arms toes, feet and legs

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FROSTBITE
Symptoms:
Mild frostbite: Skin is red and painful Or white and numb. Severe frostbite: blister; gangrene. Hard, frozen skin

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FROSTBITE
Treatment:
Move the victim to warmer place. Remove any constricting clothes or jewelry. Remove any wet clothing and replace with dry if available. Handle the area gently. Do not break any blisters. Never message or rub the frostbitten area. Re-warm the frostbitten area for at least 30 minutes.

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FROSTBITE
Treatment:
Apply dry, sterile dressings to the frostbitten parts, put dressing between frostbitten fingers. Move thawed areas as little as possible. Prevent refreezing by wrapping the re-warmed areas. Stay with the victim until medical help arrive.

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HYPOTHERMIA
Hypothermia develops when the entire body cools because its ability to keep warm fails. This can result from prolonged exposure to cold, windy weather and rain as well as immersion in cold water. Air temperature does not have to be below freezing to develop this cold-related illness. The victim will die if not given care.

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HYPOTHERMIA
Symptoms:
MILD HYPOTHERMIA Shivering. Urge to urinate. Loss of coordination. Confusion. Area of the body that are usually warm are cold.

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HYPOTHERMIA
SEVERE HYPOTHERMIA Victim no longer shivering. Stumbling. Muscle stiffness. Desire to be left alone. Irregular. Slow heart beat. Drowsiness. Weakness. Confusion. Slurred speech. Difficulty seeing. Uncooperative or irrational behavior.

Sign and symptoms can progress to rigid muscles, unconsciousness, coma and cardiac arrest
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HYPOTHERMIA
Treatment:
Start by caring for any life threatening problems. Handle the victim gently. Prevent the victim from becoming any colder. Re-warm the victim, cover the head and neck. If victim is alert and can easily swallow, give warm, sweetened fluids to aid in re-warming process. Stay with the victim until medical help arrive.

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Thank you