EHRLING BERGQUIST STRAT HOSP DESERT SHIELD MEDICAL

File: aabip_02.txt
Page: 02
Total Pages: 4
                       MEDICAL INTELLIGENCE FOR I
                                  MIDDLE EAST
    
    1. Geography - The majority of this area is very arid desert. There
    may be some very rugged mountains or foot hills with quite fertile
    land in some Parts, especially along the Red Sea.
    
    2. Climate - Most of this area is characterized by extremely
    debilitating heat often exceeding 120 E during the day with abrupt
    drops in the night. There is very little rain fall. The wind blows
    very regularly which helps people handle the heat. However, the wind
    can be very irritating with the sand always being blown. Sand storms
    blow quite severely and irregularly.
    
    3. Health Considerations -
    
    a. With this amount of heat, the most important consideration is
    going to be heat stroke, and heat exhaustion. Personnel must
    recognize these as medical emergencies. To avoid falling victim of
    these, 1-2 quarts of water must be consumed each hour. This may seem
    like more than necessary, however, if you consider how many ways we
    loose fluid (i.e., perspiration, respiration, urination, etc.) you'll
    agree, it really isn't.
    
    b. Work and rest cycles must be observed. Do not allow
    personnel to assume a job that will only take an hour to accomplish
    and continue until it is finished. Personnel should work
    strenuously for 15-20 minutes and then rest in a cool area for 40-45
    minutes.
    
    c. Right now the most debilitating problems being faced by
    personnel are heat related. These can be avoided.
    
    4. Enteric Diseases - This will be the second most debilitating
    problem encountered in the Middle East. The local economy's
    sanitation and purification of the food and water in some areas are
    unacceptable. This means eating or drinking from the local economy
    should be limited. Prevalent diseases caused by eating or drinking
    from the contaminated sources include:
    
    a. Typhoid
    b. Paratyphoid
    c. Dysentery
    d. Cholera
    e. Hepatitis A
    f. The safe place to eat will of course be from the military.
    However, if you feel you must eat or drink off the economy:
    
    (1) Check with the military medical authority for approved
    sources.
    (2) Ensure the food is piping hot.
    (3) Drink bottled or canned beverages.
    (4) Eat only fruits or vegetables that can be peeled.
    (5) Do not, at all costs, eat dairy products or ice.