From: Capt. Kara Escajeda CRDAMC Environmental Health Science Officer

(June 9, 2008) - Heat related injuries at Fort Hood Texas can result in as many as 225 people requiring medical care per year, primarily between May and September.

There may be up to 10 times that number that go unreported. Some of these injuries can lead to permanent damage to the brain and organs, and even result in death.

Heat injuries are completely preventable and the single most important prevention activity is proper training and awareness.

Education should include risk factors, early warning signs of an injury, treatment, weather monitoring, and control measures.

Strenuous events, especially those that are individually timed such as road marches, land navigation and physical training, are high risk events during the summer months.

Wearing MOPP gear, body armor, or working inside an armored vehicle are also times when you are more susceptible to an injury.

It is not just the elevated temperatures that you must be concerned with; it is the added effect of the humidity.

Humidity above 50 percent reduces your ability to cool your body through perspiration because it is not being evaporated.

That is why the Army states it is necessary to perform a Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT).

The WBGT measures radiant heat, humidity, temperature, and air movement which provides an index to determine recommended work/rest cycles as well as the amount of water that should be consumed.

Heat injuries in the 70s are common because the humidity is not taken into consideration.

Also keep in mind that activities prior to a strenuous event are just as important as those during the event.

For instance alcohol consumption 24 hours prior to an outdoor activity increases the loss of fluids and reduces your body’s ability to tolerate heat.

Decreased rest is a serious risk factor for heat stroke so ensure you get plenty of sleep in the days leading up to an event.

When you are fatigued, your body is less efficient at regulating your body temperature.

Proper hydration 24 to 48 hours prior to a strenuous outdoor event can reduce the risk of injury. You can tell if you are properly hydrated by the color of your urine.

If your urine is dark or you have not urinated then you have not been drinking enough. You are striving for a light yellow color.

Equally important to hydration, is ensuring that you eat enough meals to replace salts.

Drinking too much water and not eating enough can be fatal.

That is why it is important to not follow a low calorie diet while training in a hot environment, but instead try to eat meals in smaller portions throughout the day.

Energy drinks, such as Red Bull, have become readily available and a common choice for a pick me up.

These drinks are okay in moderation, but do not consume them prior to a strenuous event such as Physical Training.

Your heart rate and blood pressure are already elevated from the physical exertion and the extra caffeine from the drink will make it even harder on your body.

Mild Heat Injury Signs
Dizzy
Headache
Nausea or Vomiting
Feeling tired or Weak
Unsteady Walk
Muscle Cramps

Severe Heat Injury Signs
Confused behavior
Combative
Passes out
* Treatment: Cool body and Call for help

Risk Factors
-- Prior heat injury
-- Overweight
-- Poor fitness
-- Not adequately acclimated
-- Taking certain medications
-- Use of alcohol within 24 hours
-- Skin disorders or sunburn
-- Minor illness (sore throat, fever, cold)
-- Over 40 years old

Medication that increase risks
for heat injuries
-- Antihistamines
-- Some cold medicines
-- Blood pressure medication
-- Some narcotics
-- Psychiatric medication