desert survival

DESERT SURVIVAL

MOHAMMED GARI & ABDULHAFEEZ BOKHARI

CABIN SAFETY SPECIALISTS

SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES

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21st Cabin Safety Symposium

DESERT REGIONS

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

Desert Regions are characterized by:

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DESERT REGIONa) 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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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.

b) Temperature extremes

DESERT REGION

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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c) Dust Storms

DESERT REGION

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.

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Desert Region

• 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.

For Protection in the Desert:

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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.

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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

SHADE

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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.

PLATFORM

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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.

CLOTHING

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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.

ACTIVITY

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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.

WATER

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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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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 it’s early stage can usually be reversed.

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HEAT RELATED ILLNESSESHEAT CRAMPS

• Muscle cramps, often in the abdomen or leg.• Heavy perspiration.• Lightheadedness; weakness.

Symptoms:

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 ILLNESSESHEAT EXHAUSTION

Symptoms:• Cool, moist skin, pale or red (even if the victim’s

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 ILLNESSESHEAT 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 ILLNESSESHEAT 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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Treatment:

HEAT RELATED ILLNESSESHEAT STROKE

• 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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SHELTERDo 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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PLATFORMDo not sit or sleep directly on the ground. Use slide/rafts, seat cushions, etc. as platforms.


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CLOTHINGBody 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. FROSTBITE2. HYPOTHERMIA

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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

FROSTBITE

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FROSTBITE

• Mild frostbite:– Skin is red and painful– Or white and numb.

Symptoms:

• Severe frostbite:– blister; gangrene.– Hard, frozen skin

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• 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.

Treatment:

FROSTBITE

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FROSTBITE

• 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.

Treatment:

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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

• MILD HYPOTHERMIA– Shivering.– Urge to urinate.– Loss of coordination.– Confusion.– Area of the body that are usually warm are

cold.

Symptoms:

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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

• 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.

Treatment:

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Thank you

desert survival

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