Safety moves from “Critical Days” campaign, summer still a time for care

Safety is a universal frame-of-mind for our nation’s Airmen and their families. Trained to think through all personal and professional activities, Airmen receive regular training on how to stay safe throughout the year. As the Air Force implements a new program for Airman safety, service members are still advised to take care entering the summer activity season.

This year, the Air Force Safety Center has made the Critical Days of Summer safety campaign optional for major commands and their units. Instead of pushing CDoS this year, AFSEC is executing a new, year-round program called Quest for Zero to instill a stronger safety mindset in service members, on and off-duty. Tailored to each unit’s individual history and mission, each program’s focus is designed to create the greatest impact of safety awareness programs.

“Readiness is paramount to the mission,” said Air Force Chief of Safety Maj. Gen. Kurt Neubauer, “and the safety of every Airman is critical to ensuring that readiness.”

While the Air Force aims for year-round safety improvement and reduced injuries and deaths, summer remains a period Airmen should remain vigilant against the dangers of accidents and mishaps.

While Air Force mishaps have been on general decline since 2005, in 2014, the Air Force suffered 42 off-duty ground fatalities. Not even halfway through 2015, the Air Force has already suffered a spike in Airman loss, with 28 off-duty ground fatalities.

“Safety is a priority in all career fields at all levels, every day,” said Bill Parsons, Air Force Chief of Ground Safety. “Awareness of the hazards is the first step in mitigation and risk management to preserve our most valuable asset – our Airmen.”

This summer, Airmen are encouraged to weigh every risk while enjoying warm summer days. Whether barbecuing, water sports, hiking, motorcycling or just spending more time with friends, Airmen should ensure all necessary steps are taken to ensure they and their wingmen return to duty ready to continue the mission.

Here are a few tips every Airman can use to reduce risk of injury and death this summer:

1. Keep alcohol in risk-reduced environments – Don’t drink on an open lake or while hiking in wild territory, where you might drown or get trapped out of cell range. Keep alcohol use to areas where physical risks are minimized and emergency medical support can access you in the event of emergency. 
2. Use all proper safety equipment in high-risk activities – Skydiving? Boating? Motorcycling? Wear all proper protective equipment so that “unlikely scenario” remains least likely to kill or maim you if it actually happens.
3. Obey all laws – Enjoy motorcycling, skateboarding, fireworks and other summer activities, but use equipment as directed and avoid unnecessarily dangerous activities from threatening your wellbeing.
4. Stay connected – Keep emergency contact numbers easy to access in the event of an accident, and ensure your cell phone has an “In Case of Emergency” or “ICE” number for first responders.

Whatever you do, remember your friends and family if your activity could risk your death. If it’s a threat to limb, remember your own future and that you want to get there in one piece. However you choose to spend your summer, spend it wisely so you and your wingmen come home safe.