Beware of heat dangers in Southwest desert
Summer is just around the corner, and it will probably be a scorcher. With temperatures reaching 110 degrees, heat is always a threat to Soldiers and family members engaged in outdoor activities.
So what do we need to know to keep ourselves from becoming heat casualties? There are a few basic precautions Soldiers and family members can take to reduce the potential for heat injury.
You must consume enough water to maintain your body’s cooling mechanism. Heat injuries are your body’s reaction to excessive loss of fluids. Drink water the evening before major events involving strenuous exercises and throughout the day after. Drink water even when you are not thirsty.
Avoid diuretics such as alcohol and caffeine. Supplements containing creatine may also increase the risk of heat injury. Be cautious when using any medications, nutritional supplements and other items that may affect your body’s heat regulation systems.
Know the symptoms associated with heat injuries. Many of these symptoms overlap among different injuries, and it is very easy to go from one injury to another if no precautions are implemented. The different types of heat injuries are:
• Sunburns – Sunburns can be treated by covering the affected area and applying cold compresses or lotions.
• Heat cramps – Treat heat cramps by moving the casualty to the shade, loosening clothing and providing at least one quart of cool water. Keep an eye on the casualty and provide more water if they will drink it. Seek medical aid if symptoms continue or get worse.
• Heat exhaustion – Heat exhaustion is the same as above, except you may want to pour water over the casualty and fan them, elevate their legs and monitor them until the symptoms go away or medical help arrives.
• Heat stroke – A heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires the same first aid as heat exhaustion. Treatment should continue until help arrives. You also want to massage the extremities and have the casualty drink water if they are conscious. Get medical attention immediately.
If going to the range, monitor the wet bulb globe temperature heat index and use work-rest cycles.
The WBGT heat index can be obtained by calling range control at 569-9240, but local monitoring of the heat index is the ideal solution. Remember, wearing body armor adds 5 degrees and mission-oriented protective posture over garments add 10 degrees to the WBGT heat index.
Soldiers are urged to drink sufficient water in accordance with the heat category, but do not force someone to drink water, especially if they are vomiting. Daily consumption should not exceed 12 quarts.
Drinking water must be monitored closely with the guidance given below. Soldiers have died due to over-consumption of water, which can cause an imbalance of electrolytes in the body.
Acclimatization is the ability of the body to undergo physiological adaptations, enabling the Soldier to better cope with the environmental and physiological heat stress. Acclimatization generally takes about 14 days.
Newly enlisted Soldiers are generally not acclimatized adequately to heat. Social habits and norms such as the extensive availability of air-conditioning contribute to this observation. Therefore, Soldiers in their first six months of training are at higher risk of heat injuries.
Heat acclimatization increases sweating by 50 to 100 percent, which enhances the evaporative cooling capacity of the body. Increased sweating, however, can lead to dehydration. Soldiers can adapt to heat, but not to dehydration.
Heat is a dangerous but manageable adversary. Leaders and supervisors at all levels must use available resources to manage heat stress in the unit or workplace. Strong leader support is the key to prevention of heat-related casualties.
For more information on heat injuries or the WBGT readings, call 569-3616 or contact range control.