EFFECTS OF HIGH TEMPERATURE ON PERSONNEL AND RATION STORAGE

File: aaalm_09.txt
Page: 09
Total Pages: 21
3.   A loss of 3 quarts (2 hours work) of body water without drinking produces
weariness, irritability, loss of appetite. and sleepiness. Troop performance
decrement is evident, leading to ineffectiveness.

4.   A 4.5 quart water loss without replacement (3 hours work) results in
dehydration casualties.

5.   Since a soldier can learn to drink up to 2 quarts at a time, prehydration can
provide a significant increase in performance time during periods of intense activity.

6.   Voluntary dehydration increases with air temperature, work rate, distance
walked to obtain water. It is particularly increased by higher water temperatures
and poor water quality or taste. Provide cool water (60-70(F) if possible by
shading, insulating, camouflaging water buffaloes or by using small mobile chillers.

    Beware: Raw ice cannot be properly disinfected and probably is
    contaminated. Its use has been a major source of gastroenteritis in all
    prior conflicts.

7.   A variety of flavoring powders or syrups increase the palatability of water. 

         Beware: Commercial flavorings (Koolaid, Gatoraid, etc.)
         contain non-governmental issue flavoring and other agents
         (vitamin C) which neutralize water disinfectants and render
         them useless. After using these products, canteens must
         be thoroughly rinsed. If soldiers must disinfect their own
         water, use one iodine tablet/canteen of water (two tablets
         if water is cloudy) and wait 20-30 minutes before adding
         flavors.

8.   Assure soldiers consume all rations to replenish calories lost by working and
salt lost in sweating. Failure to replace salt by skipping meals leads to salt
depletion dehydration, nausea, vomiting and a variety of muscle cramps. These
symptoms must be identified and treated medically. One case usually signifies an
outbreak of others will follow, and usually requires Command as well as medical
intervention.

9.   In a hot environment (90(F), 30% RH), soldiers sweat twice as much when in
MOPP IV compared to BDU. Soldiers can save about 1.5 quarts of sweat in an 8-
hour workday by wearing shorts and a T-shirt instead of BDU under the MOPP.
Wearing underwear and the complete BDU, with the sleeves rolled down, under the
chemical protective overgarment, may provide additional protection against chemical
poisoning. However, this will also substantially increase the likelihood of heat stress
casualties in the heat.

10.  A lack of alertness can be symptomatic of the early stages of dehydration.


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