Minnesota Wing Safety MeetingSep 2012

Lt Col Larry BrockshusMN Wg/SE

Overview

• Fatigue • Children back to

school• Head Injuries in

Youth SportsConcussion

Fatigue Causes

• We have all been there…– Fighting to keep eyes open– Worked a 17 to 19 hour day– Drink another cup of coffee to help tough out a

day or mission– Endured a bad sleep environment– Jet lag– Work a night shifts– Prolonged mental / physical work or anxiety

Fatigue• Have you noticed that not only is Fatigue on the

IMSAFE check list but other topics on the list can cause or intensify fatigue– Illness – Medication– Stress– Alcohol– Fatigue– Eating

Fatigue’s impact

• Sleep deprivation is comparable to drinking alcohol– Being awake 19.5 hours is equivalent to a 0.1

blood alcohol content

• Significant factor in 41-54% of motor vehicle accidents

Fatigue mitigation

• Control your sleep environment– Noise and daylight intrusion– Sound masking

• Biological rhythm– Sun exposure if working days– Avoid morning sun if working nights

Fatigue mitigation

• Take Naps (Sleep runs in 90 minute cycles)– Limit naps to 45 minutes – Avoid naps 2-4 hours before bedtime

• Use Caffeine for a short pick-up– Effects felt 15-30 minutes– Max effectiveness 100-250 mg – Increases heart rate, irritability, dehydration

Getting your kids to school safely• Days are getting shorter• More driving on low beams• Children are back in school• Frost on the windshield and roads

Safety Question

• Based on normal reaction time and braking conditions and low beam illumination of 160 feet. How fast can you drive and still have the ability to stop to avoid a child illuminated by your low beams.– A. 20 MPH– B. 35 MPH– C. 55 MPH– D. 65 MPH

Safety Answer

• Based on normal reaction time and braking conditions and low beam illumination of 160 feet. How fast can you drive and still have the ability to stop to avoid a child illuminated by your low beams.Answer: B. 35 MPH

– Reaction time: 70 feet– Breaking distance: 83 feet– Total stopping distance: 153 feet

Keeping your kids safe as they walk to school

• Plan and practice children's walking route to school• Teach children to never talk, accept rides or gifts to strangers• Teach children to obey traffic signals, signs and safety officers• Remind children to watch for cars and avoid their blind spots,

specially on dark or foggy mornings• Teach children to arrive at the bus stop earlier and to wait until

the buss comes to a complete stop before approaching the bus• Make sure your children know their phone number, your work

number address and how to dial 911

Head Injuries in Youth SportsConcussions

Head Injuries in Youth SportsConcussion

• Signs Observed by Coaching Staff– Appears dazed or stunned– Is confused by assignment– Forgets plays– Unsure of score or opponent– Moves clumsily– Loses consciousness– Behavior changes– Can’t recall events

Head Injuries in Youth SportsConcussion

• Signs Reported by Athlete– Headache or “pressure” in head– Nausea– Balance problems– Double/blurry vision– Light sensitivity– Noise sensitivity– Sluggish, hazy feeling– Memory or concentration problems– Confusion

Head Injuries in Youth SportsConcussion Action Plan

• Remove athlete from the game• Give evaluation by appropriate health

professional. Do not judge injury by yourself.• Inform parents/guardians. Document.• Return to sports only after permission from

health care professional

Stay SafeUse good judgment as we finish

the year