EFFECTS OF HIGH TEMPERATURE ON PERSONNEL AND RATION STORAGE

File: aaalm_18.txt
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HEAT INJURY PREVENTION

1.   Middle East and Southwest Asia are potentially lethal heat stress
environments.

2.   Existing Heat Injury prevention guidance based on Wet Bulb Globe
Temperature (WBGT) readings (TB MED 507, FM 21-10, and GTA 8-5-45) is
simplified guidance. It was optimized for conditions other than those commonly
seen in the desert.

3.   WBGT measurements must be made carefully, and the following points kept
in mind:

      a) WBGT measurements must be made at 4 ft. above ground level.

      b) If the WBGT Kit (NSN 6665-01-109-3246) is used, care must be taken to
ensure that the natural wet bulb is clean and wet. Sand and grit can affect the
measurements made with this instrument; be sure to clean and wash it regularly.

      c) If the Wet Globe Temperature (WGT) Kit or Botsball (NSN
6665-01-103-8547) is used, a correction procedure is required (Ref. message
SGPS-PSP, 23 May 1990):

           WBGT =  0.8 X WGT +  0.2 X Dry Bulb
           where Dry Bulb may be measured by removing the dial thermometer
           from the WGT Botsball and reading the air temperature after 3
           minutes, (shading the sensor from direct sunlight).

4.   WBGT-based work/rest cycles and water consumption recommendations are
applicable only to soldiers who are:

      a) Adequately hydrated to begin with (not more than 2%
dehydrated).

      b) Fully acclimatized (7-12 days working heat exposure).

      c) Adequately rested (6 hours sleep the previous sleep period).

      d) Doing light to moderate levels of physical work.

      e) Not encapsulated in MOPP.

5.   In all other situations, susceptibility to heat injury is increased, and the
USARIEM Heat Strain Calculator can be obtained and used to assess risk and
provide additional, mission-tailored guidance.


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