Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Air Show is going to be hot. Here's how to stay cool and safe.
The Pensacola Beach Air Show is just days away from wowing crowds with thrilling maneuvers from some of the world's best pilots.
So, it'd be really disappointing to wait out on Casino Beach all day just to miss the Blue Angels because of a heat-related illness.
Spending all day on the beach to see the Blue Angels fly at 2 p.m. in the expected 100-plus degree heat index can be a dangerous proposition for beachgoers not well prepared with food, water and shade.
Here's everything to know about heat-related illness and how to fight against it while enjoying the airshow.
Pensacola Beach Airshow info: Heading to the Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Air Show this weekend? Here's everything to know
Heat stroke vs heat exhaustion: Do you know the difference?
Since parking lots typically fill up by 4-to-5 a.m. the day of the Pensacola Beach Air Show, most people are waiting roughly 10 hours on the beach to see the Blue Angels fly, leading to an increased chance of heat exhaustion and eventually heat stroke.
While similar, heat exhaustion and stroke are different in key ways. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat exhaustion is the body's response to excessive loss of water and salt through sweating, while heat stroke occurs when the body's internal temperature reaches or exceeds 104 degrees.
Although heat exhaustion can be mild, heat stroke can be lethal and damage internal organs if not immediately treated.
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What are the first signs of heat exhaustion?
According to the Mayo Clinic, heat exhaustion symptom can either begin suddenly or progress over time, especially with prolonged periods of exercise.
Heat exhaustion symptom include:
Cool and/or moist skin with goose bumps while in the heat
Heavy sweating
Faintness
Dizziness
Fatigue
Weak and rapid pulse
Low blood sugar upon standing
Muscle cramps
Nausea
Headache
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Heat stroke symptoms
The Mayo Clinic lists the following as symptoms of heat stroke:
Core body temperature of 104 degrees as measured by a rectal thermometer
Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures or coma
Skin that feels hot and dry to the touch
Nausea and vomiting
Flushed skin
Rapid and shallow breathing
Racing heart
Throbbing headache
How to prevent heat stroke or heat exhaustion during Pensacola Beach Air Show
The first and possibly most important thing to do is bring plenty of water to the beach. Although many people consume alcohol while waiting for the Blue Angels to fly, water will be your friend.
The CDC recommends hydrating before, during and after any event in which you will be profusely sweating and in the heat. Drinking 8 ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes is suggested for proper hydration replacement.
Bringing umbrellas or tents along is also recommended, providing a shaded area on the beach while you watch the show. If you don't have an umbrella or tent, local vendors who set up around the beach during the show may have space for you to cool off for a certain period.
Wet towels can also be used to remain as cool as possible in the heat.
How to treat heat exhaustion
What if you begin exhibiting heat illness symptoms during the air show? If you believe you have heat exhaustion or are exhibiting its symptoms, stop all activity immediately and rest. The Mayo Clinic recommends moving to a cooler place and drinking cool water or sports drinks.
If symptoms worsen or do not improve within one hour, contact your doctor.
Medical staff and Escambia County Sheriff's Office deputies on standby during the air show can help you in the event of a medical emergency.
How to treat heat stroke
Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention.
If you believe someone is experiencing heat stroke, you should immediately call 911. Then you should get the person into shade and remove excess clothing.
The Mayo Clinic says to cool the person suffering from heat stroke with "whatever means available," such as a garden hose, sponge with cool water, cool tub of water or placing icepacks on the person's head, neck, armpits and groin.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola Beach Airshow heat safety to enjoy Blue Angels
